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July 28, 2023

REPORT: Africa-China Scholars Writing for Impact Workshop, 1-2 June 2023, Johannesburg, South Africa

The Chinese in Africa/Africans in China Research Network (CA/AC), together with the Wits Centre for Journalism's Africa-China Reporting Project (ACRP) and the China Global South Project (CGSP), held the Writing for Impact Workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, 1-2 June 2023, on strengthening China-Africa competencies.

The Writing for Impact Workshop trained China-Africa scholars to improve the impact of their writing, by turning academic research into formats more commonly read by general audiences and policymakers. The aim of the workshop was to help bridge the gap, focused on translating academic work into policy briefs, op-eds, and long-form articles. Given the often-controversial nature of China-Africa engagements, there is a level of urgency in getting current research published in a more accessible and time-sensitive manner.

The 2-day Workshop trained China-Africa scholars from Pretoria, (South Africa), Bulawayo, (Zimbabwe) Kampala, (Uganda) and Abuja, (Nigeria) as well as Vancouver, (Canada) New Delhi, (India) Macau, and Hong Kong (China), to improve the impact of their writing, by turning academic research into formats more commonly read by general audiences and policymakers, such as policy briefs, op-eds, and long-form articles, to be more accessible and reach wider audiences in a timely fashion, leveraging on social media platforms to circulate the work and engage discussions.

Highlights: Writing for Impact Workshop, 1-2 June 2023

Writing for Impact Workshop Programme

Day 1

The Workshop began with Welcome remarks presented by Dr Yoon Jung Park (Georgetown University and CA/AC), followed by Bongiwe Tutu (Wits Africa-China Reporting Project). The writing scholars thereafter introduced themselves, as well as briefly outlining their research work.

Framing the Issue: Bringing our scholarship to broader audiences - Why does it matter? Why is it so hard? How can we improve?

Session one tackled the challenge of converting academic writing for broader public audiences, exploring the importance of dissemination of information, and the various ways in which this impact can be improved. The session discussants were Dr. Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project), Dr. Lina Benabdallah (Wake Forest University), in conversation with Dr. Yoon Jung Park (Georgetown University and CA/AC).

China-Africa Thought Leaders: Bridging the Gap between Academic and Public Audiences

Session two presented China-Africa thought leaders, experienced in the scholarship of academic and public facing writing. This session explored ways in which scholars can bridge the gap between academic and public audiences. The session discussants were Dr. Emmanuel Matambo (University of Johannesburg), Dr. Yu-Shan Wu (University of Pretoria), Dr. Lina Benabdallah (Wake Forest University), who shared their individual experiences, backgrounds and interests within Africa-China relations, as well as essential tools to developing ones academic writing for impactful public engagement. The session moderator was Dr. Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project).

Navigating Africa-China in the Media Space: China Global South Project (formerly China Africa Project) and Wits Africa-China Reporting Project

The third session explored avenues which reporting on Africa-China relations is advanced through the media and journalism space. The session discussants were Dr. Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project) and Bongiwe Tutu (Wits Africa-China Reporting Project) who highlighted the impact and contribution brought by each of their projects, in providing a platform for not only researchers and journalists to advance their knowledge and capabilities in understanding and communicating on Africa-China relations, but further enabling the platform for public engagements and dialogues with policy makers, and other stakeholders. The session was moderated by Dr. Lina Benabdallah (Wake Forest University).

Influencing Public Opinion: Op-Eds and Online Media

The fourth session presented the perspective of the media, exploring the views and tools presented by media owners and editors, in terms of what is required in media publications. The session discussants were Simon Allison, (The Continent), Jabulani Sikhakhane (The Conversation Africa), Shannon Tiezzi (The Diplomat) and Dr. Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project). The panelists shared key tools and information on writing and publishing for each of their media platforms, the key drivers to a good Op-Ed piece, and understanding the dynamics and complexities within audiences. The discussion further explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on the writing, credibility of media reports (fact-checking), as well as the impacts to the business of media. The session moderator was Bongiwe Tutu (Wits Africa-China Reporting Project).

Participant Research Pitches and Feedback

The last session of the first day of the Workshop engaged the scholars of China-Africa relations. The participants were coming from various parts of the continent, from Pretoria, (South Africa), Bulawayo, (Zimbabwe) Kampala, (Uganda) and Abuja, (Nigeria) as well as from Vancouver, (Canada) New Delhi, (India) Macau, and Hong Kong (China). The eight participants introduced their topics, beginning with their elevator pitches, target media outlets, and target audiences. The session was moderated by Dr. Yoon Jung Park (Georgetown University and CA/AC). See below for more information on the scholars' profiles and reporting topics.

Slideshow: Writing for Impact Workshop, 1-2 June 2023

Day 2

Writing for Impact: in Practice

The second day of the Writing for Impact Workshop comprised of practical extensive writing segments, providing the scholars the necessary skills and information to the essentials of converting their academic pieces. The academic scholars were facilitated by the Workshop trainers, Dr. Lina Benabdallah, Dr. Yoon Jung Park, Dr. Cobus van Staden and Bongiwe Tutu.

The first session explored writing formats and platforms, the scholars were introduced to the Monkey Cage, The China Global South, and Axios Methods/Formulas, and the various requirements and skills necessary to adopt. The second session workshopped the participant pitches, the scholars worked on developing their news hooks, main takeaways and presented to the rest of the group for feedback and recommendations. The second session heard the scholar pitches, scholars worked on their research, to assess counterpoints and obtain the bottom line which would enhance its conversion into a publishable report. Further into the third session, scholars presented their draft reports, news hooks and main arguments, receiving feedback from facilitators and peers.

Beyond the Page: Blogging, Tweeting, Podcasts and Strategizing Media Impacts

Beyond writing and publishing, scholars need to engage the public and stakeholders in order to increase the the impacts of the research findings. This session explored the various ways which scholars can enhance the reach of their reports, by engaging online platforms. Dr. Cobus van Staden (China Global South Project) presented tools and tips to strategizing and implementing media impacts, with practical examples to blogging, tweeting and participating in, and managing podcast discussion.

Main Takeaways, Questions, and Closing discussion

During the final workshop session, scholars presented their revised draft reports, which were discussed with the workshop facilitators and participants. Thereafter, a review discussion on the workshop and its main takeaways was held.

Writing for Impact Workshop Scholars

Writing for Impact Workshop Scholars Research Topics

  • Kudakwashe Chodokufa, PhD, UNISA, South Africa
    Research Topic: China mining in Africa: An African stakeholder perspective
  • Kaian Lam, PhD, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
    Research Topic: Ordinary storyteller: Socialization of a young Chinese generation in postcolonial public diplomacy. Publication: Features: The Untold Stories of Chinese Translators in Angola
  • Hema Narang, PhD, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
    Research Topic: China’s prestige project diplomacy in Africa. Publication: Infrastructure diplomacy, the key to China's influence in Africa
  • Mbongeni Nhliziyo, MA, Lupane State University, Zimbabwe
    Research Topic: Infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe: Opportunities, challenges, and policy options. Publication: Opinion: Unveiling the secrecy surrounding resource backed loans in Zimbabwe
  • Esther Ufedo Ocheni, MA, University of British Columbia (UBC)
    Research Topic: Unpacking Infrastructure-For-Resources Deals in Africa’s mining sector and best practices for future investments
  • Tom Ogwang, PhD, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
    Research Topic: Resource-Financed Infrastructure: Thoughts on Four Chinese-Financed Projects in Uganda
  • Chinazam Okorie, MA, University of Nottingham Ningbo China
    Research Topic: The Strategic Analysis of the Dynamics of China Regional Relations in the South China Sea
  • Yetebarek Zekareas, MA, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
    Research Topic: A case study of Chinese MNCs in Ethiopia in the Era of Belt and Road Initiative: competing discourses, local practices, and development implications

The participants were each selected based on meeting the requirements which were presented in the call for applications for this Workshop.

GALLERY: Writing for Impact Workshop for Africa-China Scholars, 1-2 June 2023, Johannesburg, South Africa

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