China is something that gives mixed feelings in Africa. On the one hand, more people in Africa now can afford to buy merchandise such as mobile phones, TVs or, by all means, clothes. The Chinese invest in infrastructure and build roads, railways, hospitals and schools, which could benefit society and help to provide a positive future.
On the other hand, it is said that Chinese merchandise and construction is of lesser quality. In many instances, critique has been aimed at China for using their own labor force and not domestic workers. Something which keeps unemployment rates up and is not good for the economy, regardless of the Chinese investments and cheap Chinese shops, it is said, make small African businesses unprofitable as they can not compete with the low prices.
While government officials tend to see the infrastructure and investments, people on the streets also mention that the Chinese workers often do not speak other languages than Chinese and keep to themselves, thereby not contributing to society.