This study focuses on the involvement of China in the above two African states, arguing that the development of the education sector, therefore the development via education is crucial for any of the states of the continent. It gives an overview of education as a significant aspect of human development in the context of opposing policies of the international financial institutions (IFIs) and the Chinese government. In the light of the FOCAC process, China’s involvement in the development of human resources on African soil will be looked at closely, also questioning whether or not China may present an ‘alternative’ to the IFIs in the field.
The article presents current problems related to the Chinese cultural and educational activity in West Africa, developed since 2008 through Confucius Institutes. First part focuses on theoretical framework of concepts soft power and cultural diplomacy as tools of the Chinese foreign policy in West African states. Then, background and aims of establishment of Confucius Institutes were explained in a global, and regional, sub-Saharan context. Second part describes three main types of reactions of Africans for Confucius Institutes in West Africa. Apart from the general tendencies, described in the literature, author refers to first-hand statements of Nigerian students and lecturers from the local branches of the Confucius Institute. In the final remarks, common features of Confucianism and African values with contribute to „sino-optimistic” attitude where highlighted. They result in enthusiastic reception of the educational/propaganda offer of the Confucius Institutes in Africa.
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