By Frannie A. Léautier, Michael Schaefer, and Wei Shen

December 1, 2015

"The following text reflects the discussions at the 5th BMW Foundation Global Table on the opportunities that China's New Maritime Silk Road initiative holds for East Africa. The ideas on testing the inclusiveness of the One Belt, One Road initiative build on the 4th BMW Foundation Global Table in Poland, which focused on the Silk Road Economic Belt connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe.

Following the Tanzanian general election of 2015, President Jakaya Kikwete will hand over power to John Magufuli after serving two terms in high office. One of the most important legacies of his presidency could turn out to be laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Bagamoyo port, which also happens to be his hometown, located 60 kilometers up the coast from Dar es Salaam. Funded by China Merchants Holdings International and Oman's State Government Reserve Fund, the project presents an opportunity to test the potential of China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road as game changer for Africa's development. Will the New Silk Road succeed in aligning the 'Chinese Dream' with an African one? The answer will largely depend on China's ability to create a truly inclusive process, allowing all participating states, together with landlocked and geographically disadvantaged corridor countries, to bring in their respective interests. Africa and Europe should give China the benefit of the doubt and become active co-drivers of the process."

Read more:
http://thediplomat.com/2015/12/the-port-of-bagamoyo-a-test-for-chinas-new-maritime-silk-road-in-africa/

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