Impact of Belt and Road Initiative Investments on Sustainability in the MENA Region

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is playing an increasingly central role in the economic and energy transformation of the MENA region. This study examines the impact of BRI investments on sustainability in five selected countries—Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The initiative mobilizes much-needed funds to develop clean energy projects and helps increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. At the same time, energy is only the first step; in the long term, the BRI aims to provide Chinese companies with access to lucrative and emerging markets in the region. The analysis shows that the sustainability of BRI investments in the countries studied depends on several key factors. These include the political and regulatory environment, the economic interests of the recipient countries, and how China structures its investments. While the BRI offers significant economic opportunities, it poses challenges, particularly dependence on Chinese technologies and financing models, compliance with international environmental standards, and consideration of local socioeconomic conditions. This study contributes to understanding the complex dynamics between global investment flows and sustainable development in the MENA region. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers, international organizations, and academics by illustrating how different governance models and geopolitical strategies influence sustainability.