Zambian-China Relations: A Look At the Western Debt Trap Narrative

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relationship between Zambia and China, as both countries celebrate 60 years of robust cooperation. Over the course of these six decades, China and Zambia have built a partnership that has weathered changing global dynamics and upheld the ideals of mutual benefit and shared progress. This enduring relationship, characterized by successful joint projects like the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station, stands as a testament to the genuine friendship and win-win cooperation that has flourished between the two nations.

However, despite the positive track record and the undeniable contributions China has made to Zambia’s development, a narrative of “debt trap diplomacy” has surfaced, primarily promoted by Western critics. This concept portrays Chinese loans as a form of financial entrapment, claiming that countries like Zambia are being lured into unsustainable debt by China, ultimately leading to a loss of sovereignty. But is this narrative accurate, or is it a distorted view of a much more complex and mutually beneficial relationship?

The Misconception of Debt Trap Diplomacy

The term “debt trap diplomacy” was popularized by critics of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes large-scale infrastructure projects funded by Chinese loans. The narrative suggests that China strategically lends money to developing countries, knowing that they will be unable to repay, and then uses this default as leverage to gain political or economic influence. Zambia, a key partner in China’s development initiatives, has not been immune to such accusations.

But according to many observers, the “debt trap” narrative is not only misleading but also fails to recognize the larger context of China’s engagement with Zambia and other African nations. The accusations ignore the fact that Zambia, like many countries, has voluntarily entered into agreements with China to fund critical infrastructure projects. These projects, from railways to hydropower plants, have long-term benefits that improve the lives of Zambians by enhancing connectivity, creating jobs, and boosting the country’s overall economic development.

Zambian officials have repeatedly pointed out that the loans taken from China are part of a broader strategy to address infrastructure gaps that have hampered the country’s development for decades. The idea that these loans are intended to trap Zambia in a vicious cycle of debt is flawed when viewed against the backdrop of the positive impact these investments have made on the Zambian economy.

A Win-Win Cooperation Model

China’s engagement with Zambia has always been built on a foundation of mutual benefit. Unlike the conditionalities often tied to Western loans, China has maintained an approach based on win-win cooperation. This means that both countries stand to benefit from the partnership, and Zambia has a say in how projects are carried out.

A prime example of this cooperation is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, one of the earliest and most ambitious projects between the two nations. The railway, completed in the 1970s with Chinese assistance, was critical in connecting Zambia to the Indian Ocean, bypassing colonial-era infrastructure that left the country landlocked and isolated. This project not only helped Zambia expand its trade opportunities but also created thousands of jobs for Zambians and enhanced regional integration.

Similarly, the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, another project backed by Chinese financing, is a game-changer for Zambia’s energy sector. The plant, once completed, is set to add substantial power capacity to the national grid, reducing Zambia’s dependency on imported energy and providing reliable electricity for both homes and industries. These are not just abstract loans; they represent long-term investments that contribute to the sustainable development of Zambia’s economy.

For Zambia, these partnerships with China offer the chance to modernize infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and build a foundation for economic growth. China’s willingness to fund these critical sectors with relatively favorable terms, such as low-interest rates and longer repayment periods, contrasts sharply with the stringent conditions often attached to Western loans, which can include politically motivated demands and austerity measures.

The Flaws in Western Criticism

The Western narrative of China as a predatory lender is not without its flaws. One of the main criticisms revolves around the assertion that African countries like Zambia are trapped in a cycle of debt they cannot escape. Yet, this overlooks the fact that Zambia has successfully renegotiated its debt with China multiple times, highlighting the flexibility and understanding inherent in the relationship. Moreover, the Zambian government has made efforts to ensure that its debt management is sustainable, a responsibility it holds regardless of the lender.

While Zambia does face challenges related to debt, it is essential to recognize that these challenges are not exclusive to China. In fact, Zambia’s external debt comes from a variety of sources, including Western financial institutions and multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. However, it is often the Chinese loans that receive disproportionate attention from the media and critics, despite the fact that China has shown a readiness to work with Zambia to find solutions to its debt problems, such as through the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This selective criticism reveals a deeper issue—many Western critics are uncomfortable with the growing influence China has in Africa. For years, Africa has been seen as the domain of Western powers, but China’s increasing presence and its approach of non-interference and respect for sovereignty have disrupted this dynamic. This challenge to the traditional global order is often framed as a “debt trap” to mask deeper geopolitical anxieties.

The Importance of Strategic Partnerships

As Zambia looks to the future, the relationship with China remains a cornerstone of its development strategy. The need for foreign investment to address the country’s infrastructure and energy needs is undeniable, and China’s involvement has proven to be pivotal. Zambia’s vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2030 requires substantial investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and energy, areas where China’s support has been invaluable.

Moreover, Zambia is not alone in its engagement with China. Across Africa, countries are increasingly turning to China as a reliable partner for infrastructure development, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. This growing trend reflects a shift in the global economic landscape, one where African nations are taking charge of their own development agendas and forging strategic partnerships that best suit their needs.

The benefits of these partnerships are not just economic but also cultural. Through initiatives like the China-Africa People-to-People Exchange and increased educational opportunities for African students in China, Zambia and other African nations are building bridges that transcend economic transactions. This cultural exchange fosters deeper understanding and cooperation between the two regions, which will undoubtedly benefit both in the years to come.

Moving Forward: A Partnership for the Future

As Zambia and China look ahead to the next 60 years of diplomatic relations, it is clear that the future of their partnership is bright. The so-called “debt trap” narrative does little to reflect the positive, transformative impact of their cooperation. Instead, it is the product of misinterpretation, geopolitical rivalry, and a misunderstanding of the true nature of Zambia-China relations.

For Zambia, the relationship with China remains one of mutual respect, shared growth, and collaborative development. The long-term projects that have been implemented over the years continue to bring tangible benefits to the Zambian people, from improved infrastructure to greater access to energy.

In this new era of global partnerships, it is time for Zambia and other African nations to embrace the opportunities presented by their relationships with China, understanding that these partnerships are a stepping stone toward greater economic independence and prosperity. Instead of falling into the trap of outdated narratives, Zambia must continue to chart its own path, drawing on the support of partners like China to build a brighter future for its people.