China’s key role in bridging Africa’s infrastructure gap

China stands out as a key development partner for Africa, consistently providing the financial resources, expertise, and technology needed to bridge the continent’s infrastructure gap.

Onyango K’Onyango
7 Min Read
Highlights
  • Despite the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), poor connectivity among African nations hinders trade, preventing the AfCFTA from achieving its objectives.

The African continent, with a population of 1.3 billion, faces an annual infrastructure funding gap of $100 billion. This deficit limits Africa’s ability to unlock the full potential of intra-continental trade, which is essential for driving economic growth.

Despite the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), poor connectivity among African nations hinders trade, preventing the AfCFTA from achieving its objectives.

Historically, many Western nations have been reluctant to adequately support Africa’s infrastructure development, contributing to the continent’s stagnation. This lack of investment in critical infrastructure has hindered job creation and slowed economic growth, particularly among Africa’s rapidly growing youthful population. Adequate infrastructure is crucial for both economic growth and creating an environment where industries can flourish and people can find employment.

China, however, stands out as a key development partner for Africa, consistently providing the financial resources, expertise, and technology needed to bridge the continent’s infrastructure gap. Unlike many Western nations, China has been unwavering in its support of Africa’s infrastructure ambitions, which is vital for boosting intra-continental trade. To enhance intra-continental trade, Africa must improve connectivity between its regional blocs, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU). Strengthening ties between the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA is also essential to achieving the continent’s trade goals.

China’s investment in African infrastructure projects has already led to tangible results. Chinese companies have significantly improved Africa’s connectivity and infrastructure, driving economic and social development. These projects contribute to the continent’s modernization, industrialization, and integration, paving the way for future growth.

The Chinese proverb “To get rich, build roads first” is particularly relevant in Africa, where the need for efficient transportation infrastructure is vital for economic progress. China, drawing from its own development experience, has led efforts to build roads, railways, and other essential infrastructure in Africa. This practical approach, based on mutual benefit, makes China an invaluable partner in Africa’s development.

Sino-African relations have been mutually beneficial despite criticism from the West. Unlike the often-empty promises made by other global players, Chinese-funded projects are visible and tangible across the continent. These projects include roads, railways, ports, and energy infrastructure, all contributing to Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

A flagship initiative of China’s commitment to Africa is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping. The BRI aims to connect countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe through infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and ports. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) further supports this vision, providing a platform for collaboration on a wide range of developmental projects, including industrialization, energy, and agriculture.

One recent example of China’s dedication to African infrastructure is the $255 million loan granted for the Kaduna-Kano railway in Nigeria. This railway project, part of the BRI’s deliverables, is a critical development for improving transportation and trade within Nigeria and the wider West African region. It demonstrates China’s commitment to addressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit and highlights its ability to deliver on its promises.

China is currently the only major global partner that consistently supports Africa’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects. Many Western nations have been hesitant to offer such large-scale financial support due to concerns about Africa’s ability to repay loans. This reluctance has kept Africa in a cycle of underdevelopment, unable to fully capitalize on its trade potential. With improved infrastructure, African nations can create industrial hubs, add value to raw materials, and reduce their reliance on exports. Industrialization will be key to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Projects like the Kaduna-Kano railway exemplify Sino-African cooperation in action. These initiatives, which are not just promises but real, ongoing projects, are transforming Africa’s economic landscape. China’s consistent support for such endeavors contrasts with the lack of follow-through from other international players.

China’s role in African infrastructure development goes beyond financing. It also brings technical expertise, innovative solutions, and technology transfer to the continent. This collaboration has helped local businesses grow and has improved the livelihoods of many Africans. For instance, the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has reduced travel time from ten hours to just four hours, facilitating more efficient trade between key economic hubs. Additionally, China has supported the construction of energy projects such as hydroelectric dams, thermal power plants, and renewable energy facilities across Africa.

Notable projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Doraleh multi-purpose port in Djibouti highlight China’s role in enhancing Africa’s energy and transportation infrastructure. The Maputo KMBBE Bridge in Mozambique, Africa’s longest suspension bridge, further showcases the scale of China’s investments in African infrastructure.

Unlike many Western countries, which offer grants with attached conditions, China empowers African nations by providing loans that enable them to finance projects aligned with their national priorities. This approach allows African countries to build self-reliance and achieve long-term economic development.

Over the last 25 years, Chinese companies have helped African countries construct or upgrade over 10,000 km of railways, nearly 100,000 km of highways, about 1,000 bridges, and nearly 100 ports. These investments in infrastructure are driving Africa’s growth and creating opportunities for trade and industrial development.

China’s role in addressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit is crucial for the continent’s economic future. Through initiatives like the BRI and FOCAC, China is helping to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap, boosting intra-continental trade, and supporting long-term industrialization. While Western nations have been hesitant to provide the necessary financial support, China has shown itself to be a reliable and consistent partner, making a significant contribution to Africa’s development and economic transformation.

The writer is a journalist and communication consultant

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