The first freight train to Naivasha in the Central Rift Valley leaves Nairobi in December 2019. The next phase of the rail project is on hold, pending funding through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: AFP
The first freight train to Naivasha in the Central Rift Valley leaves Nairobi in December 2019. The next phase of the rail project is on hold, pending funding through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: AFP
Belt and Road Initiative
China /  Diplomacy

African railways feel pinch of China’s belt and road funding squeeze

  • Ambitious rail project from Kenyan coast to landlocked countries in the Great Lakes region stalled
  • Analysts say Chinese policy banks are taking a more cautious approach to lending in current economic climate

Jevans NyabiageKeegan Elmer
Jevans Nyabiage and Keegan Elmer in Beijing

Updated: 11:11pm, 19 Dec, 2020

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The first freight train to Naivasha in the Central Rift Valley leaves Nairobi in December 2019. The next phase of the rail project is on hold, pending funding through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: AFP
The first freight train to Naivasha in the Central Rift Valley leaves Nairobi in December 2019. The next phase of the rail project is on hold, pending funding through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: AFP
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