China’s investments in African ports, totaling $50 billion since 2013, have raised alarms over African nations’ sovereignty, according to a report by the US-based ADF (Africa Defense Forum). These investments, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, focus on port enhancements, railways, and industrial zones across 32 African countries. While these investments have bolstered trade, analysts caution that the lack of transparency in many deals burdens governments with heavy debt and long-term operational dependencies.
The report highlights that China is involved in financing, constructing, holding equity stakes in, or operating nearly 78 trade ports in Africa. It also points out that African ports are increasingly adopting Chinese automation and artificial intelligence systems, necessitating continuous financial commitments for maintenance. Paul Nantulya from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies warned that African nations could face significant future costs due to reliance on Chinese technical support.
Kenya’s Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway, intended to boost East Africa’s economy, falls short of its promise, with the end of the line lying unused in a cornfield 468 kilometers from the Ugandan border. Kenya’s annual expenditure of over $1 billion to repay its railway debt to China raises concerns. Additionally, reports suggest that China might be utilizing African ports for military purposes, with an increase in port calls by the People’s Liberation Army Navy noted.
Djibouti’s Doraleh Port, developed by China, was transformed into China’s inaugural overseas military base in 2017, as per the report’s findings.
