336T. Deich (tdeich@yandex.ru),
Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (IAS RAS), 30/1, Spiridonovka Str., Moscow, 123001, Russian Federation
Abstract. The article examines the Chinese initiative “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR), which has become the focus of China’s foreign policy in recent years, and the place occupied by Africa in the implementation of this initiative. The construction of a new “Silk Road”, aimed at creating of some buffer zone of friendly states, is considered in Beijing not only as a means of accelerating the development of China itself and of the countries involved in the project, but also as a kind of protection. The new transport route will allow, according to Beijing, not only to reduce barriers for trade and to reorient trade on a shorter route, but also to respond more quickly to challenges and threats in the Indian Ocean and on the coast of Africa. Special attention is paid in this article to the role of North and East African countries in OBOR. The inclusion in Chinese initiative gives Africa not only financial resources, but also an opportunity to use them for a diversified, independent, balanced and sustainable development among the countries along the “Belt and Road”. Participation in the project contributes to the economic potential of the region through the implementation of transport mega-projects and the establishment of Africa’s industrial base. Some African countries have been actively building industrial parks and special economic zones to create new drives for economic and social development, longing for China’s experience and investments. Drawing into the Chinese initiative also promotes a strengthening partnership among the countries and intensification of integration processes on the continent. The author analyzes various aspects of China’s interaction with African countries, estimates pros and cons of such cooperation and the results of Africa’s participation in ÎBOR from the standpoint of both China and African countries.
Keywords: Chinese megaproject, African countries, investments, infrastructure, sea ports, railroads
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