Gilson Lázaro

This study delves into the intricate commerce dynamics between Angolan and Chinese traders within Kilamba, a city built in 2000 through a loan extended by China to the Angolan government. Employing exploratory ethnographic research, our endeavor seeks to illuminate the nuanced relationships between Angolans and Chinese beyond the scope of high-income, standard business transactions. Notably, existing literature on Sino-African relations predominantly scrutinizes economic facets, prompting our pursuit to unveil the everyday interactions among Chinese traders, Angolan laborers, and Kilamba residents. Focusing on three key enterprises (Hx Zhong, ESG, AIMEIE & Home, Honyua) engaged in furnishing and construction material provision, our analysis delves into the intricacies of these interactions. Through this investigation, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic fabric woven between these distinct communities.