Chinese Stadium Diplomacy in Ethiopia: Cost Overruns and Delays

 The Diplomat published on 31 January 2025 a commentary titled "Chinese Stadium Diplomacy in Africa, Pt 2: Adey Ababa Stadium in Ethiopia" by Istvan Tarrosy and Zoltan Voros. 

The 62,000-seat capacity stadium in Addis Ababa has faced problems since its initiation in 2016.  Chinese State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) was supposed to finish the stadium in September 2022.  Cost overruns and currency devaluation caused disagreements that led to termination of the contract with CSCEC in February 2023.  Ethiopia signed a new contract with China Communications Construction Company.  Although the project has restarted, cost questions remain, and progress is slow.  

A Chinese Naval Base in Equatorial Guinea?

 Japan Forward published on 7 December 2022 a commentary titled "The Security Implications of a Chinese Military Base in Equatorial Guinea" by Monika Chansoria. 

There have been persistent rumors that China is negotiating with Equatorial Guinea for construction of a naval base at the mainland port of Bata.  

Comment:  The article does not provide any new evidence to support this rumor, although China's naval base in Djibouti was also a surprise.   

Somali Terrorist Group Attacks Chinese Construction Site in Kenya

 The Indo-Asian News Service published on 24 January 2022 an article titled "Suspected Al-Shabab Suspects Burn Down 8 Trucks in Kenya,"

The Somali terrorist organization, al-Shabaab, attacked the construction site of the China Communications Construction Company in Lamu County, Kenya and destroyed 8 vehicles.  The Kenya Defense Forces engaged the attackers.  There reportedly were no Chinese casualties, although this construction project has periodically been subject to attack by al-Shabaab.  .

US Attacks Major Chinese Infrastructure Company Active in Africa

 Global Construction Review published on 28 August 2020 an article titled "Washington Launches Stinging Attack on CCCC - But How Successful Will It Be?" by David Rogers.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo launched a verbal assault on China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and several of its subsidiaries for their work in creating artificial islands in disputed areas of the South China Sea as well as their role in the Belt and Road Initiative.  The United States encouraged countries around the world to reconsider business deals with these "predatory Chinese state-owned enterprises." 

CCCC is the parent organization of many companies that have built numerous infrastructure projects in Africa such as China Harbor  Engineering Co. and China Road and Bridge Corporation. Washington's request is likely to fall on deaf ears in Africa.  

Chinese-built and Financed Addis Ababa Airport Is Largest in Africa

South Africa's Business Insider published on 31 January 2019 an article titled "Inside the Brand-new Biggest Airport in Africa, Which Also Features the Largest Chinese Restaurant on the Continent" by George Tubei.

Xinhua posted on 30 January 2019 an article titled "Ethiopian Airlines' Latest Chinese-built Infrastructure To Power Continental Ambition" by Michael Tewelde.

The Export-Import Bank of China financed the $363 million airport expansion project, which was built by China Communications Construction Company. Not only is the airport the largest in Africa but Ethiopian Airlines passed South African Airways last year as the largest African carrier.