Chinese migrants thrive in the Congo, world's poorest nation
Why do Chinese move to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
As Chinese infrastructure projects are making inroads into the Democractic Republic of Congo, there are no statistics about Chinese migrants moving to the central African nation. Journalist Jacob Kushner documented their experiences in a book just published by the Pulitzer Centre on Crisis Reporting and talked to SCMP.com about his impressions in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
What reasons did Chinese migrants in the Congo tell you they had for moving there?
Many of Chinese I met were young and out of college. They were coming because this is where they found a job with Chinese companies outside of China. Others had been working in mining or smelting in China and came because they could get better jobs in the Congo. It's really just like people who migrate anywhere for job opportunities.
How large is the Chinese immigrant community?
Unfortunately there is no data. I can certainly say there are lots of people from other places, too. There are Indian businessmen who have stayed there for a long time, and I came across some recent Japanese immigrants. It's hard to say which one is the biggest community. The Chinese aren't the only ones, but it seems to be that the newest wave of migrants are people from China coming for work opportunities.
Congolese are excited about Chinese investment, but those familiar with the deals are worried because the Congo is giving away a massive chunk of its natural resources without even knowing their value.
Can you describe the Chinese community?