Chinese entrepreneurial migrants in Ghana: socioeconomic impacts and Ghanaian trader attitudes

Abstract

This article explores attitudes of Ghanaian traders towards an increasing Chinese influx into Ghanaian trading spaces and the impacts of Chinese merchants on Ghanaian traders and trading spaces. Despite a late entrance of Chinese merchants into Ghanaian trading spaces relative to Lebanese, Indians and Nigerians, the abrupt change in size of the Chinese trading community along with its huge capital and cheap goods have had big impacts on local trading spaces. We maintain that relations between Ghanaian traders and Chinese counterparts may be roughly described as complementary, collaborative and competitive. While the Chinese impacts are seen as positive by some Ghanaian traders and landlords, they are negative for others. Yet, we argue that these relations are also nuanced and rooted in each Ghanaian trader's position amidst the Chinese presence. This article contributes to the literature on dynamics of South-to-South movements. It adds to growing studies on contemporary Chinese emigrations and accompanying impacts in host communities.

Can the Dragon Make the Lion Breathe Fire? The Links of Chinese Entrepreneurs in the Addis Ababa Economy

“…Over the years, several studies have been carried out to answer similar questions. Authors such as Dobler (2005), Haugen and Carling (2005) and Gu (2009), working mostly on small traders in local African economies, have paved the way for more recent studies at this micro level (Dankwah and Valenta 2019). Dobler (2005) studied the economic activities and local links of Chinese retail traders in Namibia.…”

Made in China, fashioned in Africa: ethnic dress in Ethiopia and Mozambique

“…Chinese entrepreneurs in Africa, like the Chens, are sometimes outcompeted by African traders or Chinese imports (Haugen 2011; Mohan and Lampert 2013). Both sides possess competitive advantages and the relations between them can be characterized by competition, complementarity and collaboration (Haugen 2011; Dankwah and Valenta 2019). Notably, these relations are subject to change.…”

Symbol of Wealth and Prestige: A Social History of Chinese-made Enamelware in Northern Nigeria

“…The unique case of Chinese-made enamelware in Nigeria offers insight into the way foreign or in particular Chinese products have influenced African economies and the lives of African consumers, workers, and traders. Scholars tend to pay more attention to the contemporary influence of Chinese products in Africa, especially the way that Chinese goods have boosted or destroyed local manufacturing industries, transformed the lives of local people, and complicated local trading practices (Akinrinade & Ogen 2008;Dankwah & Valenta 2019;Marfaing & Thiel 2013). The material consumption of Chinese goods, as seen also in their Western counterparts, served as a means of materializing personal success and became a symbol of one's level of personal achievement (Rowlands 1996).…”