ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses how Huawei and ZTE discursively construct their corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Africa. It critically analyses CSR reports of both companies from 2008 to 2014 to map out their CSR activities in African contexts. The chapter explores the two central questions. What are the CSR activities and engagement of Huawei and ZTE in Africa? Are there differences between the two companies in terms of their CSR reporting and disclosure? The difference in both companies' articulation of their CSR vision is partly rooted in the positionality of both companies as corporate institutions. The chapter constructs a timely contribution to emerging scholarship on CSR, corporate diplomacy and international relations. The narrative coherence of anecdotal stories concerning CSR activities in Africa in both reports was built on sensitising themes: corporate donations, education, the narrowing digital divide, environment and green technology.
