The launch of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also referred to as the New Silk Road, was set up to develop two new trade routes connecting China with the rest of the world- which has led to the Asian country broadening its economic and political influence. Research Officer at Africa in the World, Jana de Kluiver says as the BRI expands its reach, Africa needs to take up opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative- this as China shifts BRI towards smaller, greener and less risky projects. Thami Ngubeni spoke to the Research Officer at Africa in the World, Jana de Kluiver.