In a high-stakes geopolitical showdown, China and the United States presented their divergent blueprints for African development during the recent Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing, commemorating the 10-year milestone of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As leaders from various African nations converged on the forum, the future of African infrastructure development hung in the balance.
The Belt and Road Initiative, conceived to foster global trade by investing billions in land and sea infrastructure projects, has evolved significantly over the past decade. Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the attendees, highlighted this transformation, emphasising a shift from ‘physical connectivity to institutional connectivity.’ He announced a substantial $100bn in new funding, pledging to deepen Belt and Road partnerships and propel cooperation into a new era of high-quality development. Xi’s speech reinforced the notion that the BRI was far from winding down, pointing to ‘brand-new airports and harbours, smooth roads, and newly built industrial parks for business.’
‘Strategic shift’
African leaders in attendance included Kenyan President William Ruto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, all of whom sought additional funding for various BRI-related projects.
Analysts noted a ‘strategic shift’ in Chinese lending, with an expectation of an upward trend. This shift represents what some have dubbed ‘Belt and Road 2.0,’ focusing on smaller, greener initiatives, as well as enhanced value addition, including industrialisation, green energy, and training, in response to African leaders’ calls.
US’s vision for Africa
US President Joe Biden’s administration also unveiled its vision for Africa, highlighting green energy and value addition as key areas of focus. Recognising the importance of critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt for the transition to clean energy, the US aims to provide an alternative model for African partners. Joshua Volz, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa, and the Middle East in the US Department of Energy, expressed the US’s commitment to partnership-based development and enabling African nations to move up the value chain of their resources.
The recent commitment by the US and the European Union to develop the Lobito Corridor, a vital railway connection for resource transportation, underscores their growing involvement in African infrastructure projects. This development marks a significant shift, with the US stepping into the infrastructure game on the African continent, representing a potential ‘proof of conduct’ as an initial foray.
Africa’s leverage
While China has been a longstanding investor in African infrastructure, it appears the US is beginning to assert itself, signalling that this move is just the beginning. Some African leaders are capitalising on this power competition, with Kenya’s Ruto seeking substantial financing for road construction projects. He emphasised the need for China to leverage its influence to reform international financial institutions and enable developing nations to access more affordable financing.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reinforced the importance of China as a ‘critical partner’ for Ethiopia, as the two nations strengthened their relationship with multiple bilateral agreements.
However, the absence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa from the Belt and Road Forum raised questions. Analysts suggest that logistical considerations may have been the primary factor, rather than reflecting a lack of confidence in the event’s importance, as the president had previously met with President Xi during the BRICS summit.
The Belt and Road Forum underscored the evolving landscape of African development, with China and the United States emerging as pivotal players, each offering distinct visions for the continent’s future.
