Media Framing and Public Opinion on Chinese-Funded Transportation Infrastructure in Nigeria and Kenya: A Comparative Study
摘要
Chinese financial aid has become a significant source of external transportation infrastructure financing in many African nations, of which Nigeria and Kenya are among the largest beneficiaries. Even though Chinese aid in Africa has been widely criticised by Western media, African media framing and public opinion on Chinese-funded transportation systems in the continent remain unknown. This chapter examines the media framing of Chinese-funded transportation infrastructure in Nigeria and Kenya through content analysis from two widely read Nigerian and Kenyan newspapers. An opinion survey on newspaper reportage of the initiative was also conducted. The findings suggest that Chinese aid in the transportation sector was positively represented by the media in both nations, even though citizens’ opinions varied on this initiative. This result contradicts the widespread unfavourable Western media narrative on China‒Africa investments. The chapter highlights the need for more in-depth investigative reports and news analysis about Chinese-funded transportation projects in beneficiary nations, among others.