Time: 13:00-15:00 (UK Time), Wednesday, 18 May 2022
Presenter: Catherine Tuhirirwe, SOAS University of London
Chair: Prof. Victor Murinde, SOAS University of London
Online venue: Click here to join the seminar on Microsoft Teams (For any inquiry about how to join the online seminar, please contact Dr. Athina Petropoulou: ap102@soas.ac.uk)

Abstract

China-Africa strategic collaborations have increased in trade and investment following the inauguration of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 and the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013. These bilateral collaborations have ignited increased research interest and it is in that context that this paper undertakes a systematic literature review of the impact of Chinese investment loans on sustainable development in Africa. Indeed, many existing studies have investigated the impact of the loans on economic growth, employment, the diffusion of technology, and China’s part in Africa’s debt distress, which have generated mixed findings. What is still lacking attention is the impact of these loans on sovereign debt accountability and transparency, in the context of sustainable economic development especially in highly indebted low- to middle-income countries. In particular, further studies could investigate the accountability mechanisms employed by African countries in maintaining meaningful sovereign debt management and reporting.

Presenter

Catherine Tuhirirwe

Catherine Tuhirirwe is a second year PhD researcher in the School of Finance and Management at SOAS University of London. She is currently a visiting researcher at the Economic Policy Research Centre in Uganda. Her research interests are centred around international finance, public investment and financial law. Her current research project investigates the impact of Chinese investment loans on the sustainable development of Africa. Catherine holds a Masters in Finance and Financial Law, also from SOAS University of London.