Road Race or Road Rage: U.S.A and China play Mario-Kart

A decade ago, China initiated the expansive Road and Belt Initiative, a monumental endeavor encompassing infrastructure and economic development across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Within Africa, 52 governments have entered Memorandums of Understanding with China, resulting in substantial investments in critical infrastructure such as roads, ports, and railways. These initiatives have not only bolstered intracontinental connectivity but have also provided China with unprecedented access to Africa's abundant mineral resources, notably in countries like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a significant portion of copper mines are now Chinese-owned.

In response to China's growing influence, the United States has embarked on the Lobito Corridor project, injecting substantial funds into this endeavor. This initiative aims to facilitate the transportation of minerals from Africa to Western markets, addressing the pressing need for resources amidst the global energy transition. The recent announcement by the Biden administration to invest in a railway connecting Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Angolan port of Lobito underscores the strategic importance of enhancing trade routes and infrastructure in the region.

Despite China's extensive investments in Africa, recent economic downturns and lending constraints have diminished the competitive edge of the Belt and Road Initiative. Consequently, the US and other Western powers perceive an opportunity to increase their presence in African infrastructure development. However, China's established infrastructure and diplomatic ties present formidable challenges for Western endeavors.

In alignment with Washington's strategic interests in Africa, the Lobito Corridor project exemplifies broader geopolitical intentions to strengthen ties with African nations. By fostering economic development and job creation through infrastructure investments, the US aims to cultivate lasting partnerships that serve the interests of both African nations and the United States.

Furthermore, international organizations such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank are actively contributing to projects like the Lobito Corridor, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in driving economic development and regional integration in Africa.

While the West seeks to narrow the infrastructure investment gap with China, it is unlikely to surpass China's influence in the near term. African nations, cognizant of their sovereignty and national interests, are expected to pursue a balanced approach in engaging with both China and the US, prioritizing outcomes that benefit their own level