China ‘s President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for 50 African leaders in Beijing this week, hosting a summit aimed at strengthening ties with Africa—a continent where competition with Western powers is intensifying, Adeola Akinwunmi writes.
At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, China showcased its ceremonial welcome as a symbol of respect for its significant trade partners. China remains Africa’s top trading partner and largest bilateral lender, investing billions through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for infrastructure projects.
African leaders arrived in Beijing with ambitions for more balanced trade deals and investments that generate local jobs. “This summit stands out due to the strong resolve shown by African leaders who are clear about their core interests,” said David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg.
Despite accusations of debt diplomacy, President Xi committed over $50 billion in financing to Africa over the next three years, with a goal of creating one million jobs. This pledge comes amid concerns about many African nations struggling to repay their debts.
Beverly Ochieng, senior analyst at Control Risks, a West Africa-based consulting firm, noted that while these projects are designed to stimulate economic growth, the burden of repayments often makes the loans seem more of a liability. Still, African countries tend to favor China’s less stringent loan conditions and its non-interference policy, she added.
A New Strategic Focus
The summit signals a shift in China’s strategy toward Africa in the post-COVID era, with President Xi hinting at a slowdown in vanity infrastructure projects in favor of trade deals and financial lending through institutions. “China has recalibrated its approach to lending due to its own economic challenges,” said Ochieng. “It has also renegotiated loans with countries like Zambia and Kenya to maintain relationships and ensure repayments.”
During the summit, African leaders sought more financing for major projects such as oil pipelines, electricity supply, and railways. Nigeria signed a nuclear energy deal, while South Sudan explored plans for an alternative oil pipeline. Tanzania and Zambia inked an initial agreement for a railway project vital for copper exports, while Kenya’s President William Ruto pursued funding to revive the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.
Renewable energy was also a key topic, with China positioning itself as a leader in the sector. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, grappling with a domestic energy crisis, sought Chinese investments to develop sustainable energy solutions. “Together, we can create eco-friendly energy systems that benefit both our nations,” Ramaphosa said at a business forum in Beijing.
Geopolitical Tensions
China’s growing influence in Africa over the past two decades has reshaped the continent’s relationships with Western powers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted this shift, questioning the value of European investment in African infrastructure if China controls the key assets.
However, analysts caution that Africa’s diplomatic relations with global powers should not be a zero-sum game. “Africa’s goal should be its own development, not siding with one power over another,” Monyae remarked. As geopolitical tensions rise, especially with the Russia-Ukraine war, global powers will continue vying for influence in Africa through diplomatic summits.
“Africa remains a battleground for geopolitical contests,” Ochieng said, noting the continent’s potential for economic growth and human capital development. As competition intensifies, African nations will continue to attract interest from both China and the West.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
