Disaggregating Development: A Critical Analysis of Sino-African Megaprojects

Abstract

The emergence of Sino-African megaprojects has become a major topic of discussion in recent years. Developments such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, Merowe Dam and Nova Cidade de Kilamba are among the most visible linkages between China and Africa and have substantive effects on both bilateral relations and host-country economies. Although Sino-African megaprojects are heterogeneous in terms of framing, objectives and outcomes, certain threads (e.g., drivers, imperatives and policy mechanisms) bind them together within the constellation of overseas Chinese-backed projects. This research systematically examines the diversity of Chinese-backed megaprojects that has sprung up on the continent over the last several decades to construct a framework that categorizes and connects them. In doing so, the article attempts to add form to the growing literature on Sino-African megaprojects.