Особенности реализации инициативы «Один пояс, один путь» в Африке: феномен «маленьких, но красивых» проектов в сфере ИКТ

Проблемы Дальнего Востока. 2025. № 4. С. 91–105.

Yankova A.

The article is devoted to the analysis of "small but beautiful" ICT projects implemented by China in African countries as part of the Digital Silk Road initiative and the broader "One Belt, One Road" strategy. This format involves less investment, higher standards, a simplified launch procedure, and mandatory social returns — unlike China's larger-scale digital initiatives abroad. The focus is on projects aimed at solving local problems in such sensitive areas as telecommunications, digital infrastructure, education, and transfer of computer skills and technologies. The text attempts to analyze the concept of "small but beautiful projects", systematize these initiatives and demonstrate how they simultaneously serve social goals, increasing the level of digital inclusion of local communities, and the strategic interests of Beijing, contributing to the consolidation of Chinese companies, technologies and standards on the African continent. Special attention is paid to public administration in the industry and the widely developed conceptual framework of projects. The article demonstrates institutional decision-making mechanisms, including a description of the role of government agencies and the private sector. It shows how, through "small but beautiful" digital projects, China forms long-term relationships, creates channels of influence, and strengthens its position in global competition with the West for control of digital routes, platforms, and the regulatory environment. Based on Chinese sources, it is concluded that "small but beautiful" digital projects represent an important tool of China's soft power, with a high degree of institutional thoughtfulness and geo-economic accuracy.

Keywords: Китай, Африка, цифровой разрыв, ICT, ИКТ, Africa, цифровизация, international development cooperation, digitalization, международное сотрудничество в целях развития, China, Цифровой шелковый путь, digital divide, Digital Silk Road

Publication based on the results of: Национальные и региональные стратегии и институты кибербезопасности стран Восточной и Юго-Восточной Азии (2025)