Tanzania in China’s MSRI: The “Chinese Dream” Awaits Alignment with the African One

Tanzania and China have had long and very close dealings, entailing extensive political and economic ties. Tanzania was one of the earliest African participants in China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI) and many expected substantive achievements. However, the marquee MSRI project in Tanzania, the Bagamoyo Port Complex (BPC), eventually died. This was a function, in part, of economic problems associated with the project and Tanzania’s economic situation, as well as the emergence of a new, more nationalistic Tanzanian leader worried more than his predecessor about potential sovereignty and economic independence issues regarding infrastructure and project financing. Beyond this, the preferences of third parties (countries and international institutions) and the existence of alternative economic options reduced the appeal of the BPC. The chapter makes clear the MSRI’s smooth implementation cannot be assumed simply because there is a long history or broad and deep positive links between a MSRI participant and China.