Roundup: China's Belt and Road Initiative paves way for common prosperity in Central Africa

by Arison Tamfu and Wang Ze

YAOUNDE, March 16 (Xinhua) — Central African leaders convened in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, on Saturday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), a regional grouping, with the aim of highlighting past accomplishments and outlining a plan to enhance regional integration. The discussions also focused on addressing economic challenges and exploring growth opportunities.

Established in 1994, CEMAC consists of six member states – Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, and Chad – with the goal of fostering economic progress through regional cooperation. The event served as an opportunity for leaders to explore how regional integration and development can be achieved within the framework of the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has been embraced by all CEMAC countries as a platform for collaboration with China in infrastructure development and socioeconomic transformation, as noted by Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, an international relations expert and former member of the Cameroonian government.

Ngolle observed, “Upon entering the CEMAC sub-region, one can witness numerous Chinese investment projects.”

ROADS TO PROSPERITY

Chinese investments and expertise have played a vital role in facilitating the construction of major infrastructure projects in the transportation sector across CEMAC member states.

An exemplary project is the Kribi Deep Sea Port, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) in the southern town of Kribi, Cameroon. The strategically located seaport has not only boosted the local economy but has also emerged as a regional hub for the African Atlantic coast.

Alain Patrick Mpila Ayissi, the manager of the Land Development and Environment Department at the Port Authority of Kribi, emphasized the port’s significance in enhancing industrial projects in neighboring countries like Chad, Central African Republic, and Congo.

Currently, CHEC is engaged in the construction of the Kribi Deep Seaport Phase II, expected to transform into a large container transit port and comprehensive hub port in Central and West Africa upon completion.

As part of this project, CHEC has also constructed the Kribi-Lolabe highway, which will cater to the transportation and logistics requirements of the port while contributing to local prosperity, much like the road connecting Cameroon to Congo.

The Cameroon-Congo road, constructed by firms such as Sinohydro, a Chinese civil engineering construction company, spans 1,600 km from Yaounde to Brazzaville, earning the moniker “road of regional integration” from authorities.

James Essomba, a merchant in the border town of Ntam, Cameroon, attested to the transformative impact of the new road, stating that trade and profits have surged significantly between Cameroon and Congo.

CLEAN WATER AND ENERGY

Laurence Wandji, a primary school teacher in Bafoussam, Cameroon, highlighted the positive changes brought about by a water tower project undertaken by the Chinese construction company CGCOC Group in her city. The project, which included the construction of a water treatment plant, has ensured a consistent water supply, enhancing the daily lives of residents.

Wandji expressed, “China has enabled us to have uninterrupted access to water, simplifying our daily tasks that rely on water. Children no longer have to trek long distances to fetch water.”

China’s collaboration extends to addressing energy generation challenges in the CEMAC region. The Memve’ele Hydroelectric Power Station, a 211-megawatt facility constructed by Sinohydro in Cameroon’s South Region, offers a sustainable solution to the sub-region’s energy needs.

Augustine Mbah, an energy consultant, emphasized the potential of the dam to significantly reduce electricity shortages and supply power to neighboring CEMAC countries due to the robust flow of the river.

FOOTBALL (SOCCER) UNITES

Limbe Omnisport Stadium and Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon have become cultural landmarks, hosting local league matches and fostering unity among youth in the region. Constructed by China Machinery Engineering Corporation, these stadiums have played a central role in connecting youth from different countries through football.

James Ndukong, a football analyst, expressed gratitude to China for facilitating sports and cultural exchange through these stadiums during major competitions hosted in Cameroon.

Despite concerns over China’s BRI projects being labeled as a “debt trap,” analysts argue that Chinese investments have injected much-needed capital into economies that have often been overlooked by Western investors.

Ngolle emphasized, “China is playing a crucial role in helping Africa rehabilitate essential infrastructure for economic recovery while creating significant job opportunities for local residents.”

In response to criticism, Cameroon’s Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty and commitment to making independent decisions for development.

During a visit to a China-funded water plant in Yaounde, Ngute dismissed notions of falling into a “debt trap,” emphasizing Cameroon’s responsibility to prioritize national development.

Xu Huajiang, the general manager of China Harbor Central Africa Division, underscored the importance of embracing globalization and regionalization trends in African development, advocating for enhanced connectivity through infrastructure and system development to foster interconnection in various domains.

“Strengthening both ‘hard connectivity’ of infrastructure and ‘soft connectivity’ of system rules is essential to promote comprehensive interconnection across land, sea, sky, and network,” Xu emphasized.