The politics of cooperation in higher education: the 'China model' and the case of Tanzania

This paper aims to deconstruct the political discourse on China's educational cooperation with African countries, focusing on cooperation in higher education. Chinese policies have gone through different stages, each connected to changing political, economic and strategic realities over the last decades, but the rhetoric of 'mutual benefit', 'common development', 'win-win results' has been a steady feature of Chinese approach. Even today, speaking of 'educational cooperation' is instrumental for claims that China is different from Western donors and, in fact, there is a growing literature about the so called 'China model'. My point is that China's engagement with Africa on higher education should not be considered as a specific model because is similar, in its actual working, to educational assistance and aid provided by other donors. Giving that, which is the 'win' for China in assisting Africa to achieve its human resource development? The case of Tanzania provides evidence that, in doing so, Beijing enhances its soft power. Anyway, a 'China model' is still missing, as Beijing is just an outstanding newcomer in this field of international affairs.