Africa’s infrastructure has historically lagged behind other regions, impeding economic development. However, China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative investments over $1.9 trillion since 2005 are radically upgrading roads, railways, ports, power plants across Africa. This is eliminating infrastructure bottlenecks, facilitating trade flows, unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
New ports and rail lines slash costs and delays
Africa has faced exceptionally high shipping costs and delays due to poor transport infrastructure. But Chinese companies utilizing BRI funds have constructed and upgraded over 90 ports and 10,000 km of railways since 2000. For example, the new Chinese-built Ndayane deep sea port in Senegal and Kenya’s Chinese-financed Mombasa-Nairobi railway have greatly boosted trade volumes and cut freight times.
African free trade deal surges demand for transport
The report forecasts intra-Africa freight demand will surge 28% by 2023, needing 2 million more trucks, 100,000 rail cars, 250 planes. This makes BRI transport infrastructure investments timed perfectly to meet Africa’s booming demands.
End-to-end logistics chains transform efficiency
Chinese firm Choice provides seamless warehouse-to-warehouse logistics across Africa. Its localized teams and extensive airline/shipping partnerships lower costs through faster custom clearances, flexible payment options, real-time tracking. This expertise honed over 26 years establishes China-Africa supply chains.
Infrastructure unlocks African growth potential
Africa’s growth was hampered by colonial exploitation and aid schemes recycling funds to foreign contractors. But China’s approach aligns infrastructure building with developing local industry and employment. Although self-interested, it delivers a win-win model for mutual prosperity compared to past Western policies.
In summary, China’s trillion dollar Belt and Road Initiative investments in African roads, railways, ports and power infrastructure are eliminating transport bottlenecks and drastically lowering costs. This helps unlock the continent’s massive market potential at a time when African free trade pacts are set to accelerate cross-border commerce.