What in the World cover image

What in the World

An empty airport, a railway to nowhere and China’s trillion-dollar plan

Oct 24, 2023
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.
15:58

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode