Abstract
China is now a major source of development finance for Africa. This paper therefore investigates China and Africa’s engagement in the context of development finance. Employing the constructivist analytical framework, specifically Finnemore and Sikkink’s norm lifecycle and other norm dynamics literature, the paper inquires into the dynamics of China’s approach and compares it with the Western model of implementing development finance in Africa. The findings suggest that China appears to pursue a development financing model which presents an alternative to the Western model, thus demonstrating some form of norm leadership. China does not, however, actively promote its approach. There is, therefore, no evidence of deliberate norm entrepreneurship on the part of China. Yet, China’s model seems to mimic some aspects of the Western model, thus exemplifying norm mimicry, taking or following. There is also evidence of other norm dynamics which include norm resistance by citizen of the recipient nations.
Cite As: Jackline Nyaga, Financing Development in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of the Western Model and China's Approach, Volume 6, Issue 1, AfJIEL (2026).