AFRICA IN GLOBAL ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS: PARTNERSHIP OR NEW COLONIALISM?

The article analyzes China's role in energy and transportation projects in Africa, examining whether they represent a partnership or a new form of colonialism. The authors highlight key trends in Chinese investments, including their volume, focus areas, and implications for African nations. Over the past two decades, China has invested over $170 billion in Africa, primarily in infrastructure, resource extraction, and energy. However, 85% of contracts mandate the use of Chinese equipment, and repatriating a significant portion of profits to China raises concerns about the fairness of this cooperation. They give special attention to solar energy projects and the extraction of critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium. Despite proclaiming support for "green" energy, low local participation, technological dependence, and environmental risks characterize many projects. The authors emphasize that while China contributes to infrastructure development; it also deepens Africa's economic dependence. The article concludes by stressing the need to revise cooperation terms to ensure investments become a catalyst for Africa's sustainable development rather than a tool of neocolonial exploitation