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

Conrad John Masabo

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChina’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative, Africa, and the Middle East
EditorsJean-Marc F. Blanchard
Place of PublicationSingapore
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan Ltd.
Pages137-164
Number of pages28
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9789813340138
ISBN (Print)9789813340121
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2020

Publication series

NamePalgrave Studies in Asia-Pacific Political Economy
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
ISSN (Print)2662-7949
ISSN (Electronic)2662-7957

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