President Xi Jinping is set to strengthen China’s relationship with Africa, despite challenges like slowing economic growth and debt issues. On Thursday, he will outline his strategy at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, where leaders from around 50 African nations are expected to attend.
China has long positioned itself as a leader of the Global South, with Xi having visited the African continent five times since taking office. In contrast, U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump did not visit Africa during their terms.
Over the past decade, China’s loans have fueled significant infrastructure development across Africa under Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, lending slowed during the pandemic and has only recently begun to recover. African nations, including Zambia, Ethiopia, and Ghana, have sought debt relief from China following the economic impact of the pandemic, but Beijing has been hesitant to cancel debts, opting instead for refinancing solutions.
China’s trade surplus with Africa reached a record $64 billion last year, with exports hitting $173 billion. However, this growing imbalance has raised concerns among African leaders, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who called for more sustainable and job-creating investments.
China is also expanding its influence in Africa by supporting the continent’s transition to renewable energy. Africa was the fastest-growing market for Chinese solar panel exports last year, a key element in China’s broader strategy to secure partnerships in regions that will play an increasingly important role in global demographics and politics.
China’s diplomatic presence in Africa is substantial, with 60 diplomatic posts on the continent, surpassing the U.S. Additionally, African nations have supported China’s positions on various international issues, including Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, at the United Nations.
