Diego Morro

Kevin Gallagher, Director of the Global Development Policy Center at Boston University, and Diego Morro, a data analyst specializing in Chinese development finance in Africa, discuss the resurgence of Chinese lending to Africa in 2023 after years of decline. They reveal a shift from large infrastructure projects to more sustainable initiatives in energy and logistics. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics of China's financial commitments, the implications of debt distress, and the contrasting views on transparency in lending practices.

Diego Morro, a data analyst at Boston University's Global Development Policy Center, dives into the resurgence of Chinese lending in Africa, revealing a dramatic uptick from $922 million in 2022 to $4.61 billion in 2023. The conversation highlights a shift from large infrastructure loans towards smaller, sustainable projects in energy and telecom. Morro critiques the common 'debt trap' narrative, especially in relation to countries like Kenya and Nigeria, while advocating for enhanced transparency and cooperation in international lending practices.