Imagine this: African nations, striving for economic growth and improved infrastructure, could potentially unlock a wealth of knowledge by looking to China's remarkable journey. This is the core argument put forth by Mutinda Mutisya Kyule, director of the University of Nairobi's Africa Center for the Study of China. He believes that Kenya and other African countries can significantly benefit from studying and adapting China's approach to economic development and infrastructure building.
Kyule, in an exclusive interview with Yicai at the third Global South Think Tanks Dialogue in Shanghai, emphasized the center's mission: to conduct comparative studies that leverage China's experiences for the betterment of Kenya and the wider African continent.
One striking example of this 'China Speed' is the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway, constructed by Chinese firms during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project, completed in under two years, showcases not only efficiency but also a strong sense of responsibility towards the Kenyan people. With an investment of approximately USD560 million, the expressway was built under a Build-Operate-Transfer model by the China Road and Bridge Corporation. It opened on July 31, 2022, marking Kenya's first toll road and its first highway built through a Public-Private-Partnership.
But here's where it gets interesting: the impact of this new infrastructure has been substantial. Mutisya highlights that the expressway has dramatically reduced travel time from downtown Nairobi to the airport, from a potential three hours to a mere 20 minutes!
Furthermore, the expressway has significantly lowered local logistics and commuting costs, fostering positive developments in real estate and other markets along its route. This has brought considerable economic benefits to the city, with over 500 local hires, accounting for about 95 percent of the project's workforce.
Another significant project, the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, also built by CRBC, has further boosted local business development and improved infrastructure across East Africa. This 472-km modern railway, with a total investment of USD3.8 billion, connects Mombasa, East Africa's largest port, with Nairobi. It slashed freight transport time from three days to just eight hours. Moreover, it increased transport efficiency by over 70 percent and reduced logistics costs by 40 percent, solidifying Kenya's position as a key East African trade hub.
And this is the part most people miss: Beyond infrastructure, Kyule also points to the growing presence of Chinese pharmaceutical firms building factories in Africa. This is helping host countries enhance their production capacity and cultivate local industry talent.
So, what do you think? Is China's model a viable path for African nations? Are there potential downsides or overlooked aspects? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the potential benefits and challenges of this approach.
