非洲的‘贵’:“产能过剩”的“中国制造”来拯救? pricey@Africa: "Made in China" rescue?

南非: 非洲的错觉

South Africa: The Illusion of Africa

在南非，有很多香港人和欧洲人选择躺平养老，开普敦（Cape Town）成为他们的天选之地。许多欧洲人在南非的生活无需担心时差问题，用他们有限的退休金在自己的home countries 可能过得拮据，在南非却能过得酸爽，就像生活在天堂一样。简单来说，南非具备发达国家的基础设施，但物价却亲民得让人难以置信，比中国的三线城市还要便宜。一家人在餐厅享受含红白葡萄酒的三道式大餐，只需100多人民币就能搞定，餐厅的设计感更是秒杀上海的网红餐厅。每家酒店，无论是异域风情的， 殖民时期风格的，非洲原始部落风格的， you name it ....都是那种可以疯狂拍照出片的场所，早餐还可以约一个private room,  来一杯香槟，吃一打生蚝… 开普敦（Cape Town）真的是这个星球上最宜居的地方…

然而，随后的非洲之旅让我大跌眼镜，其他非洲国家与南非的差异巨大，完全不是一个档次。在非洲，经常是越不发达的地方，物价越是让人咋舌。这简直颠覆了我的认知——通常我们都会以为发展水平较低的地方生活成本应该更低才对。比如说，在一些资源匮乏、基础设施薄弱的地区，一个简单的日常用品都可能标上天价。就拿水来说，你可能无法想象，清水的价格竟然比一些大城市的饮料还要贵。这种现象，让我深刻感受到：非洲的物价，真的需要‘中国制造’来拯救。‍‍

South Africa: Not Representative of Africa At All

I first visited South Africa eight years ago, and it was also my first encounter with the African continent. I absolutely fell in love with the place, and it painted a wonderfully positive picture of Africa for me. The landscape is breathtaking—with mountains and seas… Amazing wine tasting at top-tier vineyards, witnessing the grand cross-border migration of wildlife across national parks in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia; staying at a five-star camp perched on the edge of a cliff within a wildlife reserve, sipping cocktails while watching wild elephants drink in the valley below, waiting for the perfect dawn or dusk to embark on a Safari adventure; swimming with penguins on a Cape Town adventure, watching whales at Cape Point… these marvelous experiences seem endless, offering a wealth of resources. But here’s the kicker: all this isn’t even the main point. The main thing is: here, you can enjoy a top-tier quality of life without breaking the bank—it’s very affordable.

In South Africa, many from Hong Kong and Europe have chosen to retire laid-back, with Cape Town becoming their chosen paradise. Many Europeans live a sweeter life in South Africa with their modest pensions than they could back home, almost like living in heaven. Simply put, South Africa has the infrastructure of a developed nation but at costs so low they are unbelievable, cheaper even than third-tier cities in China. A family can enjoy a three-course meal including red and white wine in a restaurant for just over 100 RMB, and the restaurant’s design could outshine even the trendiest spots in Shanghai. Every hotel, whether exuding exotic charm, styled from the colonial era, or reflecting indigenous African tribes, is a photographer’s dream. You could even book a private room for breakfast, complete with champagne and oysters… Cape Town truly is one of the most livable places on this planet.

However, my subsequent travels through other parts of Africa were a stark contrast to South Africa, revealing huge disparities. Often, in less developed parts of Africa, the cost of living is shockingly high, completely overturning my previous assumptions—where one might expect lower costs in less developed areas. For example, in areas with scarce resources and weak infrastructure, a simple daily necessity could carry a price tag that skyrockets. Take water, for instance; it might be hard to imagine, but the cost of plain water can surpass that of a soft drink in major cities. This phenomenon profoundly underscored to me that African pricing truly needs a ‘Made in China’ rescue solution.

我跟非洲人聊物价贵， 太容易引起共鸣了， 随便就能让人打开话匣子…

罗安达(Luanda)，非洲“迈阿密”

很多人都以为非洲物价低廉，但实际上，非洲大部分国家的生活成本令人咋舌。例如，在安哥拉的首都罗安达，环境和治安还可以的公寓（两居室）月租可能高达2000到3000美元，这在很多发达国家都算高房价了。听同一栋公寓楼的“邻居”说， 这样类型的公寓在DRC刚果金（金沙萨）要3000-4000美金， 而刚果金的基础设施比安哥拉落后太多了。

高昂的天空之旅‍

谈到非洲的飞行成本，真是另一个让人头疼的话题， 从非洲国家飞到另一个非洲国家，整个非洲只有亚的斯亚贝巴（埃塞尔比亚首都）一个真正意义上的中转Hub，比如从科特迪瓦到安哥拉（地图上看着很近的西非地区）， 结果要飞去东非的亚的斯亚贝巴转机， 非常劳民又伤财的飞行路线；或者是南辕北辙地飞去北非卡萨布拉卡转机， 然后再往南非方向折返，随便就是一个近20个小时的空中“胡乱大拼凑”。再比如从安格拉的罗安达飞往刚果金的金沙萨，短短一小时的飞行，竟然要价900多美元。这价格，你以为是买到了商务舱，结果只是普通座而已！这种价格，让人不得不重新考虑自己的旅行计划，我在想或许坐热气球穿越非洲大陆会更实惠些， 哈哈。   这种高昂的交通费用，一方面因为当地航空市场的竞争较少，另一方面也是由于运营成本较高。

惊人的生活成本

一般在罗安达普通餐馆吃顿西式简餐（一份餐加一杯不含酒精的Drink ）要30美金， 稍微好一点的餐厅人均要50美金以上。 吃中餐那更是奢侈了，装修很一般的中餐馆，一道菜一般200以上RMB， 幸亏我没有“中国胃”， 不是非得吃中餐.去超市逛逛， 发现普通的绿叶生菜要4美金/公斤， 看到我最爱的小番茄要20美金/公斤，吓得我只能每天改吃本地种的牛油果和香蕉… 难怪当地人不怎么吃蔬菜的， 喜欢把小西红柿当饭吃的家人们千万不要来安哥拉， 否则要破产了。 

据说很多非洲国家的农业基础设施不完善，如灌溉系统、运输和储存设施的缺乏，导致即使生产了足够的食物，也难以有效存储和转运到市场，造成大量农产品损失。

这边医疗费用也是匪夷所思， 比如我脚趾受伤，去诊所清理伤口/包扎一下50美金， 去换药又花了50 美金 ; 有同事肚子痛， 到医院run some tests 花了200美金… 

Discussing the high cost of living with locals in Africa, it’s easy to strike a chord. Conversations flow effortlessly…

Luanda, the “Miami of Africa”

Many assume that living costs in Africa are low, but in reality, they are staggeringly high in many countries. For example, in Angola’s capital, Luanda, a decently secure two-bedroom apartment can cost between $2,000 to $3,000 a month, a rate comparable to many developed nations. A “neighbor” in the same building mentioned that a similar apartment in Kinshasa, DRC—where infrastructure lags far behind Angola—would cost between $3,000 to $4,000.

Sky-High Travel Costs:

Talking about flying in Africa brings another headache. To travel from one African country to another, you often have to route through Addis Ababa, the only real hub in Ethiopia, as if all roads lead through there. For example, a seemingly straightforward trip from Côte d’Ivoire to Angola (which looks close on the map) requires a detour to East Africa or an absurdly circuitous route via Casablanca in North Africa, then back down south—easily turning into a 20-hour “haphazard air marathon.” A simple one-hour flight from Luanda to Kinshasa can shockingly cost over $900. With prices like these, one might reconsider their travel plans—perhaps crossing the African continent in a hot air balloon would be more cost-effective, haha! These exorbitant travel costs are partly due to limited competition in the local aviation market and high operational costs.

Astonishing Costs for Food:

A basic Western-style meal (a dish with a non-alcoholic drink) in Luanda can set you back $30, and slightly better restaurants start at $50 per person. Opting for Chinese cuisine is even more extravagant; an average dish in a modestly decorated restaurant can cost over 200 RMB. Thankfully, I don’t have a “Chinese stomach” and don’t need to eat Chinese food daily. A trip to the supermarket revealed that ordinary lettuce costs $4 per kilogram, and my beloved cherry tomatoes are $20 per kilogram, forcing me to switch to locally grown avocados and bananas daily… It’s no wonder locals don’t eat much salad. Tomato lovers, beware of Angola unless you want to go bankrupt.

It’s said that many African countries lack adequate agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation, transportation, and storage facilities, leading to substantial losses of food products even when sufficient quantities are produced.

Exorbitant Medical Costs:

Medical expenses here are also bewildering. For example, a simple toe injury treatment and bandage at a clinic cost me $50, and another $50 to change the dressing. A colleague who had stomach pains spent $200 just to run some tests at the hospital…

科特迪瓦：非洲的“小巴黎”

科特迪瓦的物价也比预期中的要高，特别是在首都阿比让等大城市。阿比让经常被称为“非洲的小巴黎”，部分是因为它的现代化程度和文化氛围。然而，与此同时，由于进口依赖、税收和关税较高，以及基础设施和物流成本的影响，生活成本可能超过一些欧洲城市。这里有宽敞的大道到精致的咖啡馆，每一个角落都透露着一种不可言说的“高级感”。但同时，生活成本也是让人大开眼界的。

走在这座城市的街头，你可能会惊讶于一杯咖啡的价格能和巴黎左岸咖啡馆的收费媲美。一顿看似普通的餐饮经验，费用可能比你在欧洲某中等城市享受的一顿要贵出不少。对，你没有听错，这里的物价高得让人怀疑。再比如，国际食品和品牌商品在阿比让的价格可能较高，因为很多这类商品都需要进口。此外，房租在市中心地带也可以达到相对较高的水平，特别是在较为现代化或安全的社区。

经济学家们也许会告诉你，科特迪瓦的经济增长速度堪比跑车，但物价上涨的速度更是赛过了火箭。在这样的环境下，每次出门购物都像是参与一场奢侈品拍卖，不仅要有足够的预算，更需有一颗强大的心脏。所以，来到科特迪瓦，除了享受这里的艺术和文化，别忘了准备一个鼓鼓的钱包。毕竟，在“非洲的小巴黎”，你不仅可以体验到法国的浪漫，还能深刻体会到什么叫做“物价不菲”。

塞内加尔是西非法语区另一个重要国家， 基础设施比科特迪瓦稍差，某些商品和服务的价格可能非常高。在塞内加尔，尤其是在首都达喀尔，中餐馆的价格比科特迪瓦高，中餐馆老板说中餐馆需要进口很多特定的食材，如竹笋、特定的豆制品和香料等，这些都通常不在当地生产。由于塞内加尔的进口渠道可能不如科特迪瓦发达，因此进口成本更高。加上中国厨师的工资很高， 所以中餐的整体成本很高。中餐在塞内加尔可能被视为一种较为“奢侈”的餐饮选择，针对的是消费能力较强的客户群体，包括外国人和本地较富裕的消费者。

Côte d’Ivoire: The “Little Paris” of Africa

The cost of living in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in its capital Abidjan and other major cities, is higher than one might expect. Often dubbed the “Little Paris” of Africa, Abidjan is recognized for its modernity and vibrant cultural scene. However, life here can be as expensive, if not more, than some European cities due to high dependencies on imports, taxes, and tariffs, along with the cost of infrastructure and logistics. From its spacious boulevards to its quaint cafés, every corner exudes an air of upscale charm, yet the cost of living here is eye-opening.

Strolling through the city, one might be surprised to find that the cost of a cup of coffee could rival that of a café on the left bank of Paris. A seemingly average dining experience could end up costing more than a meal in some mid-tier European cities. Indeed, the prices here are staggeringly high. International food and branded goods, in particular, tend to be more expensive due to the need for imports. Additionally, rents in central urban areas, especially in more modern or secure neighborhoods, can reach relatively high levels.

Economists might tell you that Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth is as fast as a sports car, but the speed of price increases surpasses even a rocket. Shopping here can feel like participating in a luxury auction—requiring not just a substantial budget but also a strong heart. So, in coming to Côte d’Ivoire, besides enjoying its art and culture, don’t forget to bring a well-padded wallet. After all, in the “Little Paris” of Africa, you can experience not just the romance of France but also the stark reality of high prices.

Senegal is another significant Francophone country in West Africa, with infrastructure somewhat poorer than Côte d’Ivoire’s, where certain goods and services can be incredibly pricey. Particularly in Dakar, the capital, Chinese restaurants are more expensive than those in Côte d’Ivoire. Owners explain that they need to import many specific ingredients, such as bamboo shoots, certain tofu products, and spices, which are usually not produced locally. Given that Senegal’s import channels may not be as developed as those in Côte d’Ivoire, the import costs are higher. Additionally, the wages for Chinese chefs are very high, making Chinese cuisine a more “luxurious” dining option in Senegal, targeted towards a wealthier clientele, including foreigners and wealthier local consumers.

非洲的高物价：“产能过剩”的“中国制造”来拯救？

High Prices in Africa: Can 'Made in China' with Its Overcapacity Rescure?

非洲的高物价问题可能涉及多个复杂因素：

1.进口依赖：许多非洲国家确实在食品和工业产品上高度依赖进口。由于当地生产能力不足或技术水平较低，必须从国外进口许多商品，包括基本的生活用品。这种依赖导致了高昂的进口成本，尤其是在汇率波动大的情况下。

2.基础设施问题：交通和物流基础设施不足或陈旧也是造成物价高的一个重要原因。运输成本高，效率低下，使得即使是本地生产的商品，其最终市场价格也可能相对较高。

3.关税和税收政策：一些非洲国家对进口商品征收较高的关税和税费，以保护本地产业或增加政府收入。这些额外成本最终转嫁到消费者身上，提高了商品的零售价格。

4.农业生产挑战：尽管非洲大部分国家的经济依赖农业，但由于干旱、病虫害、技术和资金限制等问题，农业生产效率往往不高。此外，缺乏有效的食品保存和处理设施也导致大量农产品损失，降低了市场供应，从而推高价格。

5.经济政策和稳定性：政治不稳定、经济政策的不连贯或腐败等因素也会影响物价。这些因素可能导致投资减少，生产活动受阻，增加了企业的运营成本。

非洲的高物价问题不是单一因素造成的，而是由多种经济、政治、社会和环境因素共同作用的结果。解决这些问题需要综合性的策略和国际合作。

In fact, the issue of high prices in Africa may involve multiple complex factors::

1. Import Dependence: Many African countries rely heavily on imports for both food and industrial products. Due to insufficient local production capacities or lower technological levels, numerous goods, including basic necessities, must be imported. This dependence leads to high import costs, especially in the face of significant exchange rate fluctuations.

2. Infrastructure Issues: Inadequate or outdated transportation and logistics infrastructure is a significant reason for high prices. High transportation costs and inefficiencies mean that even locally produced goods can have relatively high market prices.

3. Tariffs and Tax Policies: Some African countries impose high tariffs and taxes on imported goods to protect local industries or increase government revenue. These additional costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, raising the retail prices of goods.

4. Agricultural Production Challenges: Although the economies of most African countries depend on agriculture, production efficiency is often low due to drought, pests, technological and financial constraints. Additionally, the lack of effective food preservation and processing facilities leads to substantial agricultural losses, reducing market supply and thus driving up prices.

5. Economic Policy and Stability: Political instability, incoherent economic policies, or corruption can also affect prices. These factors can lead to reduced investment and disruptions in production activities, increasing operational costs for businesses.

In summary, the issue of high prices in Africa is not related to a single factor but is the result of a combination of economic, political, social, and environmental factors. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies and international cooperation.

非洲的高物价：“产能过剩”的“中国制造”来拯救？ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

非洲的高物价问题牵涉到多种复杂因素，而中国“出海”企业的日益介入可能为解决这一难题提供了一条潜在途径。中国能否成为缓解非洲高物价之困的关键？

基础设施发展：中国在非洲的基础设施建设中扮演了重要角色，通过“一带一路”倡议，中国在非洲大陆投资了道路、铁路、港口等多种基础设施。这些改进的基础设施可以降低运输和物流成本，这是商品高价的主要成分之一。更高效的运输网络能使商品在大陆间更便宜、更快速地流通，有可能为消费者带来价格下降。

农业方面的投资：中国对非洲农业的投资也可能在降低食品价格中发挥关键作用。通过引入先进的农业技术和高效的种植实践，中国可以帮助提高当地的食品生产。这种生产的提升有助于稳定食品价格，这通常因依赖进口和农业效率低下而居高不下。此外，中国企业还参与开发更适合非洲气候的灌溉和农业解决方案，提高产量，减少对食品进口的依赖。

工业方面的合作：中国在工业合作方面采取的策略包括设立经济特区（SEZs）并鼓励中国公司在当地进行商品生产。这种策略不仅创造了就业机会，还可能帮助降低商品价格。当地生产消除了对昂贵进口的需求，并可能促进市场环境的竞争，从而可能导致消费者价格下降。

贸易与投资：中国与非洲日益增长的贸易提供了另一个降低高物价的手段。通过增加直接贸易，非洲国家可以绕开传统的、更昂贵的贸易路线和伙伴。此外，随着中国投资的增加，有潜力促进经济稳定和增长，改善非洲各国的购买力平价。

这可能会带来一些挑战与考量：

有关债务可持续性的担忧存在，一些批评者认为，中国的基础设施项目贷款可能导致债务陷阱。此外，虽然中国对当地经济的参与可以降低成本，但需要谨慎妥善管理，确保不会扼杀本地企业并招致本地对中国企业或中国产品的抵制。

虽然中国在非洲的日益存在提供了几种可能帮助降低生活成本的机制，但重要的是以平衡的策略来处理这种伙伴关系，确保为非洲带来可持续的经济利益。另外需要透明、负责任地解决非洲的底层问题，确保中国作为高物价救星的角色不会带来意想不到的后果。

High Prices in Africa: Can 'Made in China' with Its Overcapacity Rescure?

The high cost of living in Africa poses a significant challenge for its citizens and impacts economic development. The reasons for these high prices are multifaceted, involving issues ranging from infrastructure deficits to economic policies. However, as global dynamics shift, China's growing involvement in Africa suggests a potential avenue for mitigating these high costs. Could China be the key to alleviating Africa's price woes?

Infrastructure Development: One of the critical areas where China has significantly impacted Africa is in developing infrastructure. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested in roads, railways, ports, and more across the continent. Improved infrastructure can reduce transportation and logistics costs, which are a substantial component of the high price of goods. Efficient transport networks make it cheaper and quicker to move goods across the continent, potentially reducing prices for consumers.

Agricultural Investments:China's investment in African agriculture could also play a crucial role in reducing food prices. By introducing advanced farming technologies and efficient farming practices, China can help increase local food production. This boost in production can help stabilize food prices, which are often high due to import dependence and agricultural inefficiencies. Additionally, Chinese companies have been involved in developing irrigation and farming solutions that are more suited to the African climate, increasing yield and reducing dependency on food imports.

Industrial Cooperation:China's approach to industrial cooperation involves setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and encouraging Chinese companies to manufacture goods locally. This strategy not only creates jobs but can also help reduce the prices of goods. Local production eliminates the need for costly imports and can foster a more competitive market environment, which may lead to lower consumer prices.

Trade and Investment:China’s increasing trade with Africa offers another lever to pull in reducing high prices. By increasing direct trade, African nations can bypass traditional, more expensive trade routes and partners. Furthermore, with increased Chinese investment, there is potential for economic stability and growth, which can improve purchasing power parity across African nations.

Challenges and Considerations:‍‍

However, the relationship is not without its challenges. There are concerns about debt sustainability, with some critics arguing that China’s loans for infrastructure projects could lead to debt traps. Additionally, while Chinese involvement in local economies can reduce costs, it must be managed to ensure it does not stifle local businesses or lead to economic exploitation.

In short, while China’s growing presence in Africa offers several mechanisms that could help reduce the high cost of living, it is essential to approach this partnership with a balanced strategy that ensures sustainable economic benefits for Africa. Both parties must address underlying issues transparently and responsibly to ensure that China's role as a rescuer from high prices does not come with unintended consequences.