Africa's Global Infrastructures: South–South Transformations in Practice

The book investigates the impact of Global South-led infrastructure projects on ground-level political and socio-economic practices in Africa, focusing on large-scale Chinese-, Brazilian- and Indian-funded ventures. It explores how these projects have been adapted, transformed, and contested by local actors, shaping business-society relations and challenging the Western-dominated global order.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The surge in South-South relations since the early 2000s has witnessed a remarkable influx of investment in African infrastructure from emerging markets across the Global South. While the extent to which these projects contribute to economic growth remains a subject of ongoing debate, limited research has explored their impact on ground-level political and socio-economic practices in Africa, as well as their broader implications for transnational governance.

Through the lens of infrastructure, this book delves into the developmental ideas, processes, and techniques that have traversed Africa as a result of Global South-led projects. It examines how these ideas have been adapted, transformed, and contested by local actors, shaping the dynamics between business and society. Moreover, it challenges the Western-dominated global order by highlighting the unique insights offered by large-scale Chinese-, Brazilian-, and Indian-funded ventures, such as dams, ports, roads, and mines, across countries like Kenya, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

These frontier zones, where politicians, practitioners, campaign groups, and communities from Africa and beyond converge, provide a distinctive perspective on the global workings of our contemporary world. By adopting a bottom-up approach, Africa's Global Infrastructures explores the longer-term significance and implications of these diverse socio-economic interactions for the continent and beyond.

The book sheds light on the complex web of relationships that emerge from these infrastructure projects, including the power dynamics, social inequalities, and environmental consequences. It highlights the ways in which these projects intersect with broader regional and global trends, such as economic globalization, trade agreements, and geopolitical tensions.

Furthermore, the book examines the role of African governments, civil society organizations, and local communities in shaping the outcomes of these projects. It explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from their involvement, including the potential for sustainable development, job creation, and economic growth.

In conclusion, Africa's Global Infrastructures offers a valuable contribution to the study of infrastructure, development, and global governance. By examining the impact of South-South relations on African infrastructure, the book provides insights into the complex dynamics that shape the continent's future. It underscores the importance of considering the local context and the voices of marginalized communities in shaping the development of infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805260226