The Chinese Communist Party helps train African elites

The Julius Nyerere School of Leadership in Tanzania, inaugurated in February 2022, symbolizes the collaboration between the Chinese Communist Party and ruling parties in Southern Africa. Built by a Chinese company and donated by Beijing, the school hosts seminars led by professors from the CCP's executive schools, focusing on leadership training for parties that have historical ties to independence movements. This initiative reflects China's confidence in its governance model, which it promotes as a viable alternative to Western democracies. In June 2023, China trained 136 young leaders from six African parties, showcasing its commitment to influence political dynamics in the region. The CCP aims to support these ruling parties in maintaining power while normalizing its governance model, which has faced criticism for lacking democratic processes. This strategy is part of a broader effort to extend China's political influence across Africa. The establishment of the China-Africa Institute in 2019, located at the African Union headquarters and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, further illustrates China's ambitions on the continent. Additionally, China has renovated the Herbert-Chitepo School of Ideology in Zimbabwe and offered to build a leadership school for Kenya's United Democratic Alliance, indicating a widespread initiative to strengthen ties with African political elites. Moreover, the People's Liberation Army Command College in Nanjing regularly hosts promising African military officers, enhancing military cooperation. These educational exchanges not only bolster China's political influence but also contribute to the consolidation of power among African ruling parties, positioning China as a key player in the region's political landscape.