Evolution and influencing factors of the transnational investment network of China-Africa international cooperation parks

Based on development data relating to China-Africa International Cooperation Parks (CAICPs) from 2003 to 2018, this study examined the transnational investment network of CAICPs using the social network analysis method. The number of CAICPs is increasing. Textiles and apparel, agricultural and food processing, trade logistics and management, building materials and construction, and electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing are the leading industries chosen by most CAICPs. These parks have promoted the economic and social development of African countries, driving the urbanization of the regions in which the parks are located, and they have also benefited China. The network of CAICPs involves China, African countries, and third-party investors. The network is becoming increasingly complex and has an increasingly high density. However, the key node countries and provincial units remain relatively stable despite changes in the network structure. The center of gravity of the network has shown noticeable deviations and regression, and inter-provincial investment cooperation has also been increasing. China-Africa cooperation drives the evolution of the network. In China, the investment of enterprises in Africa is affected by domestic policy, economic pursuit, and investment security. In Africa, the development of CAICPs is driven by development policies and achievements, and it is influenced by African countries’ business environments.