The first phase of a Chinese-built Free Trade Zone - billed as Africa's largest - opens today in Djibouti.

The nearly 50 sq km (31 sq miles) zone will house manufacturing and warehouse facilities, an export-processing area and a services centre.

It's expected to handle trade worth $7bn (£5.3bn) within two years, and create 15,000 jobs when complete.

With a strategic location on the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti already handles most imports for neighbouring Ethiopia, and aims to become a gateway to South Sudan, Somalia and the Great Lakes region.

The zone forms part of China's new chain of infrastructure investments in 60 countries. China already has a military base in Djibouti, as does the United States.