CHINA is seeking a higher role in the financing of East African infrastructure projects as the second biggest economy in the world entrenches itself in the continent.This was evident Friday after China requested and was allowed to make a presentation at a high level meeting bringing together all the six heads of state of the East African community.China was the only individual country that was allowed to present at the EAC infrastructure retreat. The European Union, a block of 27 countries, also made a presentation but the United States, also a key player in the EAC, had no presentation.“China attaches great importance to its partnership with the East African Community,” said Lin Zhiyong, the chief representative for China in Tanzania. China said it is in process of disbursing over $20 billion, more than Kenya’s current budgetary allocations, in the next three years to Africa. China agreed this with African governments in July this year with most of the funds earmarked for infrastructure development and integration efforts.By end of August this year, Chinese investments in the EAC will amount to $1.5 billion spread across sectors such as roads, energy and power. China for instance helped Tanzania build an Information Technology infrastructure backbone at a cost of $170 million. China has also pledged to release a further $400 million to help Tanzania set up broadband connectivity.Agencies
