Pranav Mamidipudi

BRI Investment in Africa: How does the Belt and Road initiative affect the economy and politics of three[/four] African countries with different sectors of investment? How does China’s large influence affect current/ future political decision making due to large financial debt owed to them? And how are these case studies similar/different?

Started June 22, 2023

Abstract or project description

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a strategy for global infrastructure and economic development led by the People’s Republic of China. As part of the BRI, China has invested money into 150 developing countries to build infrastructure such as railways, ports, and telecom networks and mine for minerals.. This paper will examine how the Belt and Road affects the economy and politics of 3-4 African countries which receive large amounts of Chinese investment. We will also examine how these contractual obligations have impacted the recipients of such loans. In addition to trade impact, we will analyze if there is any evidence of increase in Chinese influence in the current or future decision making due to the indebtedness African countries.