IRIS:

Laurea triennale/B.A. (Rabat, 2017), Laurea magistrale/M.A. (Rabat, 2019).

Curriculum: International and Area Studies. History. Spaces. Society

Supervisor:  Barbara Onnis

Co-Supervisor:  Isabella Soi

Project title: China’s Digital Silk Road in North Africa: a case study of Tanger Tech City

The Digital Silk Road (DSR), a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), plays a crucial role in strengthening China's partnership with North Africa. Despite the existing literature on DSR, its impact in North Africa remains underexplored. This research project aims to study the implementation of China’s DSR in North Africa as a part of the BRI and its impact on technological development and digital connectivity, with a particular focus on smart cities. Tangier Tech City, one of the largest projects launched in Africa, serves as a key case study for understanding how Beijing is translating its digital ambitions into concrete initiatives. Through a descriptive-qualitative approach, the study explores the contributions of Chinese technology companies to regional technological development and digital connectivity. However, since the research also employs a qualitative method, we studied the Tangier Tech City project from its early stages of construction through to completion. Therefore, it will be developed in stages until the project is completed.