China’s megaprojects transformed Ivory Coast. Now it’s own role is changing

In Abidjan, the commercial capital and economic engine of Ivory Coast, the extent of Chinese infrastructure development is a permanent feature of the transport and trade networks.This includes the Alassane Ouattara Bridge, commonly known as the Cocody-bridge" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="167279" data-entity-type="location">Cocody Bridge, which links the affluent eastern district of Cocody to the business centre of Plateau.The expansion of the Abidjan" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="167281" data-entity-type="location">Port of Abidjan’s second container terminal and the construction of the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium also highlight the scale of Beijing’s involvement. For more than a decade, such megaprojects have formed the backbone of China’s presence in the West African country.