Kinesiska investeringar i transportinfrastruktur och deras effekter på ekonomisk utveckling i Afrika södern om Sahara

The thesis examines the effects of Chinese financed transport infrastructure investments in sub-Saharan Africa, a region facing severe infrastructure deficits. High transportation costs limit the region’s participation in global trade and reduce the growth potential of its economies. Over the past decades, China has become sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bilateral financier of transport infrastructure, contributing to improved connectivity and reduced trade costs. The thesis builds on standard growth and trade theory, reviewing theoretical models and empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. Through an analysis of existing studies, the thesis finds that Chinese investments on average contribute to economic growth in African countries, although outcomes may vary depending on project selection and institutional capacity. The thesis also addresses concerns surrounding the Chinese involvement, especially the increased risk of rising debt burdens in some African economies. Despite China’s role in the debt distress, its role is often overstated, and it does not outweigh the broader economic benefits from the Chinese investments. Findings suggest that Chinese investments contribute both to short-term growth and can positively affect key channels of long-term growth, including reductions in trade costs and improvements in total factor productivity.