Digital Talent Development Cooperation Between China and Africa

Abstract

This chapter examines the trajectory and effectiveness of Africa-China digital talent development cooperation by investigating university-industry-government relations. Based on participant observation conducted in China from 2017 to 2019 and fieldwork in Ethiopia from 2019 to 2020, it identifies a typology of four collaboration types based on the nature of initiators and the partnership modes. Ethiopia is selected as an information-rich case due to its diverse typology variations. Each collaboration type addresses specific digital education needs in Ethiopia, including equipping education officials and professionals with digital knowledge in higher education, providing digital skills training for pre-service and in-service teachers, and empowering youth through digital innovation and entrepreneurship. This chapter uncovers the interactions among universities, industry, and governments in digital talent development between Africa and China. It argues that African governments should take a more proactive role in facilitating effective university-industry linkages.