Dr. Hangwei Li is a senior researcher at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS). She was previously an Associate Professor of International Development at China Agricultural University. She completed her Dphil in politics at SOAS, University of London, and was a predoctoral fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and a researcher at the Global Development Policy Center, Boston University. Hangwei’s research lies in the fields of politics, international development, and political communication with a focus on China’s engagement with the Global South, especially with Africa. Her work has appeared in various journals, book chapters and policy papers. Her research project – titled ICT Development in Zambia: Chinese Involvement and the Role of African Agency – focuses on the development of Zambia’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and the influence exerted by Chinese digital and telecommunication companies. It also critically assesses the concept of “African agency” in the context of advancing digital partnerships. Through in-depth interviews with Chinese and Zambian stakeholders, including representatives from Chinese digital and telecommunication companies, officials from both nations, journalists, and scholars, this research aims to offer an insightful exploration into the strategies, administration, and regulatory frameworks guiding Zambia’s key ICT initiatives, such as the Smart City Initiative and the Digital Migration Project. In addition to this project, Hangwei has co-lead a postgraduate research team on Mauritius’ Digital Cooperation and Engagement with External Partner.