China’s rapid-fire, state-funded building provides quick fixes to pressing infrastructure needs in Africa, though some critics say construction can be shoddy. China also isn’t fussy about working with controversial political regimes, bestowing legitimacy on leaders in countries that U.S. companies won’t touch. Though it sometimes pays little heed to the political and environmental impact of its investments, China’s government has stepped in when its investments were threatened — as it did in South Sudan — and thus could help promote calm. While the U.S. is trying to use development as a way to shore up regional stability, its investments can take longer to get the jobs done, since companies have to satisfy shareholders and projects often undergo environmental vetting before they can get off the ground. U.S. companies are also subject to anti-corruption laws that make it almost impossible to do deals in places where bribery is common. U.S. and Chinese investments in transportation and electricity should make it easier for African businesses to get goods and services to and from the continent. African planners hope this will help lift the average per-capita income past $10,000 in many countries in the next three decades.