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At 105, China’s CPC offers Africa a lesson in ideology 07 Aug 2026

This article examines the Communist Party of China (CPC) not to advocate communism for Africa, but to consider the philosophical and ideological foundations that have sustained the party’s prominence. It also draws lessons for African nations, particularly Nigeria, on the value of anchoring political parties in clearly defined ideologies and philosophical frameworks.

Before turning to the core analysis, it is useful to distinguish between political party philosophy and ideology. Political party philosophy refers to the foundational values and core beliefs that shape a party’s understanding of human nature and society. Party ideology, by contrast, is a more practical framework of ideas that guides governance, policy choices, and political strategy.

The interplay between philosophy and ideology creates a cohesive framework of ethical principles that not only shapes policy objectives but also informs the party's overarching vision for societal development. These ideologies serve as essential underpinnings that impact internal governance structures and dictate the party's stance on both domestic and international issues, ultimately influencing its engagement with the electorate and broader political landscape. 

In this context, each political party delineates a unique ideological framework that shapes its stance on pivotal issues, including social justice, economic policy, civil liberties, and the scope of governmental authority in daily affairs. For instance, certain parties may advocate for collectivist principles and social equity, proposing policies that prioritise communal interests over individualistic pursuits. Conversely, other parties might foreground personal accountability and laissez-faire economics, positing that reduced governmental intervention stimulates innovation and enhances individual agency.

The political spectrum reflects different beliefs about how society should be organised and governed. Among the major ideological tendencies are liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism, each offering a distinct view of the role of the state, the market, and the citizen.

For example, liberals usually support changes that promote civil rights and social progress. Conservatives tend to focus on maintaining traditional values and being careful with government spending. Socialists often want to ensure that wealth and resources are shared more evenly to help everyone. On the other hand, libertarians believe strongly in individual freedom and think the government should stay out of people's personal lives as much as possible. Each of these groups brings a unique perspective to how we can organise our communities and country. 

The interaction of various political ideologies is crucial in shaping the identity of a political party. It significantly affects its strategies regarding power distribution, the execution of authority, and the comprehensive societal aspirations it aims to realise. This encapsulates the narrative of the CPC.

The CPC commemorated its 105th founding anniversary on 1 July 2026, highlighting over a century of significant political and economic transformation. Established in 1921 with just over 50 members, the party has since evolved into the world's largest political organisation, boasting over 101 million members. 

The party is guided by Marxism–Leninism, adapted to Chinese conditions through what is known as Socialism with Chinese characteristics. This approach combines strong state direction with elements of a market economy. A key idea here is that any political party's beliefs should adapt to the values and needs of its society. Let’s explore a few important themes that have defined how the CPC has operated over the years.

First, there is the idea of loyalty. For the CPC, loyalty is crucial – not just to the party itself or the nation, but most importantly, to the people. This loyalty shapes the CPC’s decisions and reflects a strong commitment to the hopes and dreams of the Chinese people. The connection between party loyalty, national identity, and the well-being of citizens forms the foundation of the CPC’s beliefs.

Second, the needs of the people come first. Under the CPC, citizens’ welfare is presented as a central measure of governance. A 2021 publication, The CPC: Its Mission and Contributions, states that the party’s main goals are the happiness of the Chinese people and the revival of the Chinese nation. Over the years, the CPC has consistently aimed to lead and organise the people, as evidenced by the considerable positive changes that have taken place.

Thirdly, inclusivity is an important theme. China operates in a system with multiple political parties. Before making major decisions that impact the economy and the well-being of its citizens, the CPC consults with representatives from various ethnic groups, other political parties, independent thinkers, and different sections of society. This practice of including diverse voices is something that political parties in Nigeria and elsewhere should consider when making decisions that affect their people.

Fourth, the CPC is actively working to enhance various sectors of society, with a particular emphasis on two pivotal areas that contribute significantly to China’s development. The first area is education. Recognising the need for broader educational access, the CPC is dedicated to expanding opportunities for all citizens, particularly since many individuals in traditional Chinese society had limited access to education. The party aims to cultivate strong moral values through education, support the nation's modernisation, and ensure effective party leadership. 

It highlights that education should serve the needs of production and support the working class, making schools accessible to workers and farmers. To meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in industrialisation, the Chinese Ministry of Education undertook significant reforms from 1951 to 1953, which included reorganising institutions and increasing student recruitment. As a result, China’s education system has transformed into a robust and highly competitive framework, preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.

The second area of focus is science and technology. The CPC and the government see these fields as crucial for national progress and economic advancement. They consider science and technology the "primary productive force" necessary to drive growth and achieve self-sufficiency. This vision aligns with Marxist economic principles and promotes government-led modernisation. By emphasising the importance of indigenous innovation and national security, China has successfully positioned itself as a global leader in science and technology. The country is making substantial investments in research and development and has made remarkable strides in high-speed rail and electric vehicle production while striving for technological independence.

Throughout this transformative period, the CPC has maintained a strong commitment to its core principles, guiding the nation’s development through a focus on socialist values and collective progress. This focus not only fosters individual growth but also nurtures a sense of unity and shared purpose among the people, contributing to a brighter future for the country as a whole. 

The pressing question, then, is what lessons the CPC’s experience might offer Africa, and Nigeria in particular. One key takeaway is the influence of political philosophy and ideology on national development. Far from being abstract theory, ideology can shape governance, guide policy-making, and set strategic priorities across the economy and society.

Take, for instance, the CPC’s commitment to state-led development and long-term planning – principles that have fuelled China’s remarkable economic growth and infrastructural transformation in recent decades. By focusing on crucial industries and investing in human capital, the CPC has successfully lifted millions out of poverty and nurtured a flourishing middle class.

More crucially, the CPC illustrates the importance of building a cohesive national vision that resonates with a country’s cultural and historical narrative. This alignment fosters effective governance and garners public support for governmental initiatives. Similarly, African nations might benefit from cultivating strong political ideologies tailored to their unique contexts, paving the way for improved governance and sustainable development strategies. By learning from the CPC's experience, these countries could better tackle their development challenges and unlock their full potential.

Given its current stage of development, we suggest that Nigeria, alongside many other developing nations in Africa, should explore the possibility of adopting a political party ideology that thoughtfully blends elements of liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism – or any combination that resonates with its socio-structural values.

When we speak of socio-structural values, as defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica (2026), we're referring to the foundational principles and shared beliefs that shape society’s organisation and influence behaviour within institutions such as family, government, and the economy. These values dictate what is seen as desirable, ethical, or just, forming the basis for how power is distributed, success is measured, and order is maintained in society.

Political parties play a pivotal role in national development and unity. However, an effective party system must emerge from the genuine will and needs of the people. Citizen engagement should be central, ensuring that these parties authentically represent the diverse voices and aspirations of society.

In conclusion, a Nigerian political party could adopt an ideology that combines a capitalist economy with a strong welfare system designed to meet citizens’ essential needs. This approach would endorse comprehensive government regulation to safeguard the rights of individuals and workers while promoting equitable labour practices. Such a system will not only support individual liberties but also enhance collective welfare, prioritising social justice and economic equity. Additionally, it would advocate for policies that facilitate wealth redistribution, thereby reducing the disparity between the affluent and the underprivileged. Ultimately, this vision strives for a society in which prosperity is shared more equitably.

Efem N. Ubi is a Professor at the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China, and former Director of Research and Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, Nigeria.