Win-win situation

"The infrastructure will catalyze Africa's economic growth," Iraki said. "It's now easier to invest, trade and even move within countries. China, too, wins through interest payments."

The US aid or loans to Africa had softly targeted democracy and humans rights, among other issues, which were not as visible to ordinary citizens as roads and ports, he said.

"This is why Chinese aid or loans, which are visible, seem more impactful and have rattled the US."

Munene said that through infrastructure development in Africa, China has challenged the presumption that some things just cannot be done.

"In Zambia, for instance, Chinese opened mines that had been closed down by Western powers, and as they made money, the economy picked up."