Christopher Edyegu

What makes you interesting?

I am a very good listener and find it's easy for me to relate to other people.

  • Bio 

    Christopher is a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. He grew up in Uganda, Botswana and South Africa, where he currently lives and works as a part-time teaching assistant at UCT. His doctoral research focuses on China’s role in facilitating the development of African manufacturing, with a special focus on Ethiopia. He has qualifications in international studies, international relations, history and marketing.  Christopher aspires to be in possession of wealth, be it knowledge or other

  • Title and Summary of PhD project 

    China’s Role in Facilitating the Development of African Manufacturing: A Case Study of the Ethiopian Leather Sector

    Ethiopia has a broad vision of radical political and economic transformation it expects will transform it into a regional manufacturing hub. Since 2002 when Ethiopia formulated its first industrial policy, it has achieved impressive economic growth and development. Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector only accounts for a tiny part of that success, although it has tripled in size in the past decade.

    As one of its strategies to become a manufacturing hub, Ethiopia has harnessed its relationship with international partners such as China and India. Concurrently, there is a drive by Chinese companies to invest in Ethiopia, particularly its leather and garment sectors. Therefore, my research seeks to analyze China’s role in facilitating the development of African manufacturing, particularly Ethiopia’s leather manufacturing. The objective of the research is two-fold: first, to determine the reasons for Chinese companies outsourcing their production to Ethiopia; and second, to investigate their impact on domestic economic conditions.

  • Publications 

    1. "Electoral accountability to be discussed now, not right before elections" Published by News24 on the 7th July 2019.
    2. “Africa Tackles Covid-19” Published by the Diplomatist on 28th April 2020 (written with Mandira Bagwandeen)
    3. “How can political parties in Africa in partnership with civil society and other key stakeholders such as elections management bodies, co-create conducive environments towards electoral accountability on the continent?” Published by Democracy Development Program: DDP (NGO)

  • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

    Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get  understanding.