The China-Global South Podcast How China Uses Parliamentary Buildings to Build Influence in Africa
Nov 25, 2025
Innocent Batsani-Ncube, an associate professor of African politics and author of "China and African Parliaments," dives into how China has built over 200 government buildings in Africa, including national parliaments. He discusses the concept of "subtle power," which blends elite influence with infrastructure. Batsani-Ncube also highlights the politics behind construction choices and the local tensions in countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Are these buildings compromising sovereignty or enhancing legislative capability? Tune in for a fascinating exploration of China's influence in Africa.
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China's Parliamentary Building Boom
- China has funded and built over 200 government buildings in Africa, including roughly 15 parliamentary buildings.
- Innocent Batsani-Ncube frames this as a coordinated diplomatic strategy rather than isolated philanthropy.
Subtle Power As A Distinct Tool
- Innocent introduces "subtle power" to describe China's elite-focused ingratiation tactics.
- Subtle power sits between soft and sharp power and targets current and future political elites.
Gifts That Circumvent Local Rules
- China presents parliament buildings as full-package gifts covering design, construction, and maintenance.
- Presenting them as gifts to heads of state creates top-office endorsement and circumvents local procurement rules.
