Abstract
This paper examines China Belt Road Initiative (CBRI) and its implications on African development challenges. The method of analysis used is qualitative and historical, employing descriptive and analytical tools to arrive at the conclusion. The initiative, developed by the Chinese government in its relations with its allies, is generally popular in the developing world, especially in countries with infrastructural deficits, and a shortage of resources. The Chinese government emphasizes five areas of cooperation with Third World countries: coordinating development policies and forging infrastructure, strengthening investment and trade relations. Pertinent questions however are: To what extent will this initiative engender development among the participating countries in Africa? What are the contending issues and benefits arising from such an initiative? Using the dependency theoretical construct, the paper argues and also demonstrates that the current trend in CBRI is laden with Chinese strategic interest and collaboration as well as mutual cooperation among participating countries. In Africa, this initiative is seen as a bold attempt by African governments at connecting African countries with age-long Chinese economic interests. The paper concludes that the CBRI initiative is China‟s economic escalation strategy and development expansion opportunity programme that will drive business and investment fortunes for China.
Keywords: China, Belt, Road, Initiative, Africa Development
DOI: 10.36349/sokotojh.2022.v11i01.005
