Han, X., & Webber, M. (2020). From Chinese dam building in Africa to the Belt and Road Initiative: Assembling infrastructure projects and their linkages. Political Geography, 77, 102.
Summary
This study aims to create a political-economic geography of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The authors analyzed Chinese methods and the business-related effects of dam building in Africa, showing the intricate relationships among many actors by drawing on complex thinking and the Chinese water machine idea (Clarke & Kocak, 2020). This article argues that China’s engagement with Africa is a global enterprise involving representatives from China, the recipient country, and other countries (Clarke& Kocak, 2020). It draws on fieldwork conducted in China and Ghana as well as documentary evidence to support its claims. Additionally, it suggests that this project-level organization and implementation under the BRI’s auspices is likely to be a joint effort of all such players, designed in a path-dependent manner but taking into account the spatial embeddedness of individual projects
Evaluation
The study was selected for its innovative approach to the under-researched topic of Chinese water machines. This case study is indicative because it is a crucial step in China’s engagement with Africa. The article’s findings can be instrumental in assessing China’s overall role in the region and its political and economic implications on the international level.
Lema, R., Bhamidipati, P. L., Gregersen, C., Hansen, U. E., & Kirchherr, J. (2021). China’s investments in renewable energy in Africa: Creating co-benefits or just cashing in?. World Development, 141.
Summary
In sub-Saharan Africa, investment in renewable energy is expanding quickly. The fact that China is increasingly involved in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects is a characteristic of Africa’s renewable energy industry. An examination of various sub-Saharan African infrastructure, utility, and resource extraction sectors indicates that China is embracing a uniquely Chinese investment model, complete with enclave features, financing, turnkey project development, and the import of labor and equipment from China.
Evaluation
The evaluation selected for the study was chosen for its direct relevance to the teaching question posed. It evaluates how Chinese investments were instrumental to the region’s potential development. The findings imply that, given the limited number of pre-existing options, policymakers should exercise caution when evaluating the co-benefits of renewable energy initiatives.
Zhang, K. H. (2022). Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa: its motivations, determinants, and impact on the African economies. In The Palgrave handbook of Africa’s economic sectors (pp. 603-624). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Summary
In the twenty-first century, China’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa has expanded dramatically. This chapter thoroughly analyzes aspects of China’s foreign direct investment (FDI), including its global standing, drivers, and effects on African economies. The authors conclude that while Chinese investment has increased significantly in recent years, it remains minor compared to that of conventional investors from the US and Europe. Furthermore, the Chinese FDI sectoral distribution and motive are comparable to those of conventional investors in OECD nations. In addition, China’s foreign direct investment in Africa offers unique benefits, such as infrastructure development and the use of appropriate technology for labor-intensive projects; possible drawbacks include debt traps and a lack of job creation.
Evaluation
This study offers valuable insights into China’s investment projects, using several countries as a critical case study. Indeed, Chinese investments became a cornerstone of the region’s economic policy development, serving as a relatively independent tool for assessing their implications. The findings from this study can be used to assess China’s future role in the international system.