Peculiarities of “One Belt, One Road Initiative” Implementation in Africa: the Phenomenon of “Small but Beautiful” ICT Projects

The article analyzes the “small but beautiful” ICT projects implemented by China in African countries within the framework of the Digital Silk Road Initiative and the broader Belt and Road strategy. This format involves smaller investments, higher standards, simplified start-up procedures and mandatory social returns in contrast to China’s larger digital initiatives. The focus is on projects that address localized challenges in sensitive areas such as telecommunications, digital infrastructure, education, computer skills and technology transfer. The text attempts to deconstruct the concept of “small but beautiful projects”, systematize these initiatives, and demonstrate how they simultaneously serve social goals by increasing the digital inclusion of local communities and Beijing’s strategic interests by helping Chinese companies, technologies, and standards gain a foothold on the African continent. Particular attention is paid to public governance in the field and the widely developed conceptual framework of the projects. The article demonstrates the institutional arrangements for decisionmaking, including a characterization of the roles of government agencies and the private sector. It shows how, through “small but beautiful” digital projects, China is forming long-term relationships, creating channels of influence, and strengthening its position in global competition with the West for control over digital routes, platforms, and regulatory environments. Drawing on Chinese sources, it is concluded that “small but beautiful” digital projects represent an important tool of PRC soft power with a high degree of institutional sophistication and geoeconomic precision.

Digital Silk Road, development cooperation, ICT, digitalization, digital divide, China, Africa