Lauren Johnston is a development economist with expertise in China-Africa relations and demographic change and the economy. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney China Studies Centre, and an affiliated Senior Researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs. Johnston holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Peking University, a M.Sc. in Development Econ from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and a B.A./B.Com. from the University of Melbourne. Previously, she was a Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute in Sierra Leone and at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, a consultant for the World Bank and the United Nations, and a lecturer and research fellow at the University of Melbourne and Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Last Updated: May 1, 2024

Viewpoint

05.10.24

Why the African Union Stopped the Donkey Hide Trade with China

Lauren Johnston
The African Union’s unprecedented decision to ban the trade of donkey skin ended a hitherto fast-evolving China-Africa business. It also is the result of an unusual agreement between the 55 African Union member countries on a matter that affects...

How Africa Benefits from China’s Rapidly Aging Population

Eric Olander, Cobus van Staden & more
China’s rapidly aging population presents a huge challenge for the country as it needs to find new ways to pay for rising healthcare and social welfare benefits. And that’s where Africa may be able to help. Home to one of the youngest populations on...