Africa and China: A Love Affair?

China’s relationship with Africa dates back to the 1950s when the Asian power strongly supported newly independent African nations through financial assistance and infrastructure projects. This relationship shifted towards economic realism by the latter part of the 20th century.

China’s increasing economic role and influence in Africa over the past six decades can be attributed to its dominating economic influence on the world stage. It can also be seen as harnessing the continent’s resources to the maximum potential. In other words, Beijing’s interest in Africa is primarily resource-driven with the continent supplying natural resources and agricultural products to fuel China’s industrialization. What started as a mutual friendship has morphed into a major strategic economic relationship. China views Africa as the ideal place to further strengthen and consolidate its position as an economic hegemon.

Some have posited that China’s engagement with Africa is a direct result of its insatiable appetite for natural and mineral resources to advance its global economic agenda. Others have also argued that China’s growing presence on the African continent is primarily geared toward strengthening and giving much needed impetus to the continent’s thriving but volatile economy. Be that as it may, it is unquestionably clear that China has made an indelible mark on the African continent. China’s ubiquitous influence on the continent of Africa is undeniable. One cannot visit any African country without noticing the presence of Chinese firms and companies involved in infrastructure and other ventures.

Over the last two decades, China has become Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner. Approximately 20% of the continent’s exports now go to China. About 16% of Africa’s imports come from China, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This amounted to a record $282 billion in total trade volume in 2023. Primary commodities — metals, mineral products, and fuel — account for about three fifths of Africa’s exports to China.

Furthermore, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China has quadrupled over the last two decades. China recognizes the economic potential in Africa. Partnering with African governments will yield enormous profits for its economy. It also bolsters Africa’s hopeful economies.

Governments in the West have been sounding the alarm about China’s mercurial rise in Africa over the past years. Nonetheless, those warnings are falling on deaf ears as the continent forges on with new economic partnerships and programs. African governments perceive China’s partnership as mutually beneficial.

So, why does Africa love China? Many countries on the continent have a positive view of their economic relationship with China. This is contrary to claims from some Western quarters. They do not see it as exploitative. The perception that Beijing is acting in predatory ways is well-known in foreign policy and media circles. China’s reputation of staying clear of other nations’ internal and cultural affairs. In simple terms, it respects other cultures and states. This view is widely held by many leaders on the continent. Furthermore, China’s bilateral agreements with African governments do not come with strings and conditions.

While China’s investments on the African continent have accelerated economic development, they have also raised serious concerns about the environment and social implications. The uncontrollable appetite for extractive minerals, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, and oil to fuel China’s industrialization has led to increased illegal mining activities across the continent, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa. In Ghana for example, small-scale Chinese mining enterprises (in many cases in collaboration with local officials and people) have been engaging in illegal mining activities, colloquially known as “galamsey” in the country’s forest reserves. This has resulted in polluted water bodies across several regions.

China’s relationship with Africa has both merits and demerits. Investment is good for growth, however, there are issues of sustainability, trade, the environment and labor practices. Environmental and social sustainability must be prioritized by Africa and China. In other words, there needs to be a balanced relationship between both parties.

Africa and China constitute more than 30% of the world’s population. In a growing interconnected world, Africa and China have the opportunity for a mutually beneficial relationship. A stable and prosperous Africa is valuable to China and the larger world. By effectively confronting and addressing challenges, the Africa-China relationship has the potential to strengthen the global economy.