China and Africa: Real Development Partners

By Gerald Mbanda

Published : February 03,2025

Historical ties between China and Africa date back to the 1950s and 1960s when both regions were fighting against colonialism and imperialism. During the Cold War, China supported many African liberation movements as part of its broader ideological alignment with the developing world. However, the partnership in terms of tangible investments and trade did not pick up steam until the 21st century.

The partnership between China and Africa has become a central feature in global geopolitics and economics. Over the past few decades, China has increasingly positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s economic development. Unlike traditional Western powers, whose approach has often been   exploitative or paternalistic, China’s approach to Africa is framed as mutually beneficial, with both sides seeking economic growth, infrastructure development, and political cooperation.

The early 2000s saw a shift in China’s foreign policy toward Africa, with the launch of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000. FOCAC has provided a platform for high-level diplomatic dialogue and laid the groundwork for a broad range of economic initiatives. Since then, trade between China and Africa has grown exponentially, positioning China as Africa’s largest trading partner and its largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI).

At the heart of China-Africa relations lies economic cooperation, especially in the area of infrastructure development. Chinese companies have become major players in building roads, railways, ports, and airports across Africa. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, has been a game-changer in this regard. Through the BRI, China aims to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in countries along the trade routes. African nations are key participants in this initiative, with several countries seeing significant infrastructural upgrades that might otherwise have taken decades to materialize.

One example is the Mombasa-Nairobi railway in Kenya, which was constructed by China’s state-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). This railway has reduced travel time between the two cities and has significantly boosted trade and tourism. Similarly, China has been involved in the construction of power plants, dams, and renewable energy projects, many of which have brought electricity to millions of Africans living in rural areas.

The Chinese presence in Africa extends beyond just infrastructure; it also includes substantial investments in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. In countries rich in natural resources, such as Angola, Zambia, and South Africa, Chinese firms have invested heavily in mining, contributing to economic growth and job creation. China’s increasing role as a source of capital has allowed African governments to pursue large-scale projects that would have otherwise been difficult to finance.

China has rapidly become Africa’s largest trading partner. In 2000, bilateral trade between China and Africa amounted to just $10 billion. By 2021, that figure had surged to over $250 billion, and reached a record $282.1bn in 2023. China imports oil, minerals, agricultural products, and other raw materials, while exporting electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods. This trade relationship has been vital in enabling African nations to diversify their economies and integrate into the global economy.

Investment flows from China have been significant, as well. Chinese companies have created thousands of jobs in Africa, and their investments have been integral to the development of new industries, from technology and telecommunications to manufacturing and energy production. Importantly, China’s investments have often come without the political conditions or human rights stipulations that have characterized aid from Western nations, allowing African countries more autonomy in their development.

Moving forward, it is essential for both China and Africa to address these challenges and continue to deepen their partnership in a way that benefits both sides. Africa must ensure that investments are directed toward sustainable development, job creation, and enhancing local capacities, while China must find ways to ensure that projects are executed transparently and responsibly.

With shared interests in economic development, trade, and infrastructure, China and Africa are well-positioned to continue building on their cooperation. This partnership has the potential to redefine global development models, providing an alternative to traditional Western-centered development approaches.

China has proven to be a genuine development partner for Africa. With its strategic investments, growing trade ties, and commitment to infrastructure development, China has become a key player in Africa’s economic transformation. While challenges remain, the trajectory of the China-Africa partnership points toward a promising future of shared growth and prosperity.