An empty airport, a railway to nowhere and China’s trillion-dollar plan
Oct 24, 2023
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China's investment in infrastructure projects in other countries is explored, including successful examples and failed plans. The episode highlights an empty airport in Sri Lanka and a railway to nowhere in Kenya. The challenges of foreign loans and investments and their consequences are discussed, along with the financial challenges faced by the African Football League. Favorite teams and sponsorship controversies in a football tournament are also touched upon.
China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to improve road and rail connectivity across Europe and Asia, with some projects succeeding and others struggling.
Kenya's railway funded by China highlights concerns about loan terms, debt traps, and power dynamics between lenders and borrowing countries.
Deep dives
Overview of Belt and Road Initiative
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to improve road and rail connectivity across Europe and Asia, encouraging trade between countries. Launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, the initiative involves over 150 countries. China invests in these projects both for commercial returns and to increase its global influence. While some projects, like Sri Lanka's Matala Airport, have struggled, others, such as Algeria's expressway and Mozambique's suspension bridge, have been successful. The BRI's legacy is a mixed one, with successes and failures.
The Case of Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway
Kenya's ambitious standard gauge railway, funded and built by China, was intended to connect the port city of Mombasa to Uganda and other neighboring countries. However, the funding was withdrawn after reaching Naivasha, leaving it unfinished. While the passenger side of the railway has some success, the original goal of facilitating cargo transportation has not been realized. Concerns arise about the opaque loan terms and the dependency of African countries on the lenders. Zambia, for example, became the first country to default on its debt. The BRI raises questions about potential debt traps and power dynamics between lenders and borrowing countries.
China's Perspective on Belt and Road Initiative
China views the Belt and Road Initiative as a major success and means of increasing its global influence. Beijing highlights the positive impact on developing countries in terms of improved infrastructure and poverty reduction. While concerns about incomplete projects and indebtedness exist, Chinese media presents it as a beneficial initiative. China hopes to expand the BRI, involving more countries and shifting the balance of power away from rivals like the United States. Similar investment projects from Western countries and India also seek to compete for influence in the global arena.
China is pouring billions of dollars into other countries’ infrastructure projects - some of which have been hugely successful. In this episode we’re asking why and also take a look into some of the plans that haven’t quite panned out. Nikhil Inamdar tells us about a Sri Lankan airport with no travellers and Anne Soy takes us onboard Kenya’s “railway to nowhere”.
Plus we here from Celestine Karoney about the hopes and dreams for the brand new African Football League.
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Alex Rhodes
Producers: Emily Horler and Mora Morrison
Researcher: Dan Eboka
Editor: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks
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