Many officials believe China investing in aid to Africa may be unethical, a form of misguided imperialism, or a way of taking advantage of Africa’s natural resources for the primary benefit of improving China’s economy. Regardless as to whether China’s motive behind widespread aid in Africa is good or bad, the collected data sure tells us one thing–Africa is certainly benefiting from China’s contracts, assistance, and investments.

Western cultures, such as the United States, take a different approach than China. China’s approach is very secretive, and it is difficult to track what exactly Chinese workers are doing in Africa. Fortunately, the U.S. is working hard to uncover that information.

AidData, a research organization funded at The College of William and Mary in the United States, is seeking to reveal the culturally hidden inner-workings of China’s International Development strategies. Based on AidData’s findings, 1,673 different international aid projects were launched and implemented in more than fifty African countries from 2000-2011. China has invested approximately $75 billion in these projects.

China’s international aid projects in Africa are heavily weighted in projects concerning infrastructure, communication, and various power projects. Benefiting from China’s infrastructure project aid, Africa now has an increased quality of transportation either within or outside of the continent. China has assisted in higher quality African roads, railways, and ports. Notably, China carried out a project in Angola that repaired a prominent railroad for the country’s citizens.

The quality of communication in Africa has also increased due to China’s efforts. In Tanzania, China undertook a contract to build a fiber-optic transmission backbone network in order to utilize Internet and telecommunication services. The overarching goal of this project is to connect people via communication vehicles in various areas of Tanzania.

China also has made big gains in Africa’s energy growth. In 2010, China began to build The Malabo Gas Plant in Equatorial Guinea. Once completed, Equatorial Guinea will have full service power supply. The project will boost irrigation systems in the country, as well as build ecological attention. Infrastructure projects in Africa will support and drive the African social and economic expansion. That said, China will continue to expedite progress in transportation projects, interaction services, and power systems.

Because China is working in a rather unregulated market, it will be important for Chinese enterprises to act accountably for their actions. By the same token, African government officials will need to take steps to protect the rights of the African people and the community as a whole.

– Laura Reinacher

Sources: China, Global Times, One
Photo: Shared Societies Project Blog