Affiliation:
1. Northern Arizona University, USA
2. Australian National University, Australia
Abstract
China's influence in Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has (re)shaped its presence on the continent. Despite alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), concerns persist about corruption hindering economic progress and drawing global anti-corruption attention. The BRI's role in African infrastructure development prompts discussions on corruption. This analysis explores the BRI's impact, particularly corruption, in Africa and its repercussions for BRI countries, China, and global development efforts. Cases in Uganda highlight disparities between China's anti-corruption efforts domestically and in Africa. Beijing's reluctance to fight corruption in Africa is not only concerning but also undermines its reputation, worsens conditions for Africans, stalls local industrialization, and jeopardizes SDGs. To ensure positive BRI outcomes, Beijing should extend its tough anti-corruption measures at home to the BRI countries. This chapter is timely amid BRI reconfigurations and offers valuable guidance for policymakers and scholars in China-Africa relations.
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