China’s presence in East Africa and the Horn of Africa : the benefits, limitations and impacts of the Chinese funding in the Kenyan and Ethiopian infrastructure sectors between 2010-2023

Abstract

This paper will analyze the South-South Cooperation in the infrastructure sector/area done by China with Kenya and Ethiopia between 2010-2023. The research is inspired by the fact that, in the past thirteen years, China grew its commercial relations with the African continent and became the first economic partner with many of the African countries such as – the already referred – Kenya and Ethiopia. These countries were selected for this study because of their relevance to Africa’s economic dynamics and historical diplomatic ties with Beijing. The paper’s main goal is to point out how these partnerships are operated in a way that makes China more interesting than the traditional aid providers from the Global North, like the United States of America or the European Union. To put together this research, a case study was chosen as the analysis method, and the paper will assess the benefits, limitations and effects of the Chinese investments on these countries.