Elevating ESG: Empirical Lessons on Environmental, Social and Governance Implementation of Chinese Projects in Africa

This report assesses the environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices of Chinese-financed infrastructure projects in Africa, within the context of substantial investment needs for African nations to achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). China plays a crucial role in potential achievement of these goals, providing finance and infrastructure development capacity through aid, loans, foreign direct investment, dedicated funds and contracting services. In the larger picture, Chinese financing has been empirically demonstrated as beneficial, contributing to economic growth and local livelihood improvements, but
also presents notable risks, including environmental degradation and social and governance concerns.