Is China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa a Development Catalyst or Debt Trap?

As China’s Belt and Road Initiative is reshaping Africa’s economic landscape, opportunities in infrastructure development clash against rising debt, raising questions of sovereignty and long-term sustainability.

Written by Magalie Masamba

May 22, 2025

Photo illustration by Dami Mojid / THE REPUBLIC. Source Ref: Abdoulaye Wade. MARCEL BIERI / WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM.

Within half a century, China has undergone major economic transformation, emerging as a key player in global finance and infrastructure development. At the heart of China’s expanding global influence is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)¾one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in modern history. Launched in 2013, the BRI was originally envisioned as a revival of ancient trade routes. However, it has since evolved into a vast geopolitical and economic endeavour, involving over 150 countries and spanning trillions of dollars.

Yet, the initiative is having mixed reactions. Nowhere is this debate over the impact of Chinese lending and infrastructure development more pronounced than in Africa, where Chinese investments have become a defining feature of the continent’s financial landscape. This debate is not just theoretical, it carries profound implications for the continent’s economic future.

As Africa deepens its engagement with the BRI, a critical question emerges: is the BRI fostering sustainable economic development, or is it exacerbating fiscal vulnerabilities through unsustainable debt? Recent geopolitical developments, including the recalibration of the United States’ foreign policy under President Donald Trump, the erosion of traditional alliances and weakening multilateral frameworks, may amplify China’s strategic position in Africa. As African nations navigate these evolving dynamics, it is more important now more than ever to critically assess the long-term implications of the BRI.

BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW THE BRI ADDRESSES AFRICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT AND FINANCING CHALLENGES

The African Development Bank has emphasized Africa’s massive infrastructure deficit and the need to fill this gap. A 2023 study published by the Observer Research Foundation highlights the role of the BRI in helping to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit, describing it as offering a ‘lucrative economic investment package, flexible political approach, and focused big-ticket development projects.’ It is this combination, particularly the flexibility in political approach and the emphasis on large-scale infrastructure that has made the BRI attractive for many African countries. In fact, by February 2025, 53 African countries had signed a BRI memoranda of understanding with China, signalling a strong interest to participate in ambitious infrastructural projects with limited policy interference. This contrasts with traditional Western financing, which often comes with stringent conditions relating to governance, human rights and macroeconomic stability. Thus, China’s model presents itself as less intrusive, faster to execute and closely aligned with Africa’s urgent infrastructure needs.

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About the Author

Magalie Masamba

is a writer based in Australia, focusing on issues of global economic governance, sovereign debt, climate finance and Africa’s development.

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Is China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa a Development Catalyst or Debt Trap?

BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW THE BRI ADDRESSES AFRICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT AND FINANCING CHALLENGES