China is at it again, flexing its financial muscle and signing deals with Chad and Senegal at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing. But let’s cut through the diplomatic niceties and get to the heart of the matter: China is essentially laying out the red carpet for African nations, not out of sheer generosity, but as part of its grand strategy to deepen ties with developing economies under President Xi Jinping’s latest catchphrase, “small and beautiful projects.” What this really means is China is shifting gears from mega-infrastructure projects to more manageable ventures, but the end game is the same, expanding its influence across Africa.
In Chad, six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were inked, covering everything from energy and water to agriculture, infrastructure, and even defense. Among the projects, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) is set to improve access to electricity and drinking water in the capital, N’Djamena. Seems like a generous move, but let’s not forget that these are the very areas where China loves to dig its economic claws.
Another deal with China CAMC Engineering (CAMCE) involves building an international airport and modern integrated farms in four localities. Sure, Chad might get a shiny new airport, but one has to wonder who really benefits when Chinese companies are handed the keys to critical infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, a project with CGCOC aims to reinforce sanitation networks to prevent flooding in the capital, a noble cause, but also another opportunity for China to tighten its grip on Chad’s public works.
And let’s not overlook the fact that a Chinese state-owned defense company, CATIC, is stepping in to boodt Chad’s military capabilities. Is this genuine support, or is China subtly positioning itself as the indispensable partner in Chad’s security sector?
Across the continent in Senegal, the story is much the same. Around a dozen agreements were signed, including deals on information and communications technology, green development, and media. And as if to sweeten the pot, President Xi threw in an unconditional donation of 27 billion CFA francs (about $45.80 million). But before we applaud this apparent act of goodwill, let’s remember that such “donations” often come with invisible strings attached, reinforcing China’s foothold in African affairs.
So, while these agreements might sound like a win for Chad and Senegal on paper, the reality is much more complex. China’s so-called “small and beautiful projects” are just another chapter in its long play for dominance in Africa, where every MoU signed is another step towards entrenching its influence across the continent.
