The China-Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies published in January 2023 a study titled "From Contractors to Investors? Evolving Engagement of Chinese State Capital in Global Infrastructure Development and the Case of Lekki Port in Nigeria" by Hong Zhang.
This case study of Lekki Port in Nigeria serves to illustrate the challenges in China's transition toward "integrated investment, construction, and operation" (IICO) whereby Chinese companies move beyond their traditional role as engineering and construction contractors and also become developers and operators of infrastructure projects.
The paper calls for continued attention to this emerging form of Chinese state capital's engagement in global infrastructure development, especially on how risks are managed and the implications for the relationships between Chinese actors and host country stakeholders.
