Embedded in the Addis Ababa Action Plan formulated by China and Africa is the commitment to infrastructural development. Through many of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and construction firms, China has built over 20 demonstration centers for agricultural technology, about 30 hospitals, 30 malaria centers and over 150 schools all over Africa. In Cameroon, Chinese construction firms within the past decade under took several construction projects aimed at improving the infrastructural situation of the country. In fact, their presence is obvious in almost all spheres of life: from the construction of road network and stadia through the construction of hospitals, schools, improvement of communication network and the provision of affordable housing, to the construction of dams for electricity supply and the provision of portable drinking water. China through these firms has truly improved the infrastructural situation of Africa in general (both proponents and critics agree on this) ad Cameroon in particular, and has thus propelled the country for economic growth and development. The contribution of Chinese construction firms to the infrastructural development of Africa has been reported in literature. However, this paper examines the presence of these firms in Cameroon not only to highlight the diversity of their operations but to participate in the ongoing debate on the motives behind their quest so as to echo the impact of their contributions on all sectors of the Cameroonian economy; and most importantly on the lives of the citizenry.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Diversity of firms
- Forum on China-Africa co-operation (FOCAC)
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the presence of Chinese construction firms in Cameroon, focusing on the diversity of their operations and their impact on all sectors of the Cameroonian economy, particularly on the lives of the citizenry. The paper also seeks to participate in the ongoing debate on the motives behind Chinese firms' involvement in African infrastructure development.
- The role of Chinese construction firms in the infrastructural development of Africa, specifically in Cameroon.
- The diversity of operations of Chinese construction firms in Cameroon.
- The impact of Chinese construction firms on the Cameroonian economy and its citizens.
- The motivations behind the involvement of Chinese construction firms in African infrastructure development.
- The significance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in fostering economic and political relations between China and Africa.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the rise of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and their role in China's economic development. It highlights the increasing presence of Chinese construction firms in Africa, specifically in Cameroon, and their contribution to infrastructure development. The chapter also introduces the research questions and objectives of the paper.
- Diversity of Firms: This chapter explores the growth of Chinese construction firms and their international expansion. It examines the increasing role of these firms in the African construction market, highlighting their involvement in various sectors such as roads, railways, hospitals, schools, and energy infrastructure. It also discusses the significance of the China Eximbank in financing infrastructural projects in Africa.
- Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): This chapter focuses on the role of FOCAC in fostering economic and political relations between China and Africa. It highlights the Addis Ababa Action Plan, which emphasizes China's commitment to infrastructural development in Africa. The chapter also discusses the importance of developed infrastructure for economic growth and development in Africa.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this text include Chinese Firms, Africa-China, construction firms, State owned enterprises, Infrastructure, Cameroon, Addis Ababa Action Plan, FOCAC, economic development, and citizen impact.
- Quote paper
- Babette Zoumara (Author), 2013, Role of Chinese Construction Firms in the Infrastructural Development of Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/232379
