Access to natural resources
China has prioritized Africa for its vast natural resources, which are essential to sustaining its industrial economy’s growth. In 2024, one of the most notable examples is the extraction of cobalt and copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The country holds the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, a critical mineral for electric vehicle battery production. Through its companies, such as China Molybdenum, China controls a significant portion of the cobalt mines in the DRC. In 2024, China expanded its stake in Africa’s mining sector, securing more contracts and investing in transport infrastructure to facilitate the shipment of these resources back to China.
Another example in 2024 is the increased importation of oil from Angola and South Sudan, where Chinese companies like the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) continue to expand their presence, ensuring a steady flow of crude oil to meet China’s growing energy demand.
Market expansion
China sees Africa as a vast opportunity for market expansion, especially as the African middle class grows and demand for technological products rises. In 2024, Chinese electronics companies like Huawei and Xiaomi intensified their presence on the continent. Huawei, for instance, has secured agreements with several African governments to provide 5G infrastructure technology. In countries such as South Africa and Kenya, Huawei leads the rollout of 5G networks, creating a direct technological dependency on China.
Additionally, in 2024, China expanded its export of electric vehicles to emerging African markets. BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, signed a deal with the Nigerian government to establish local assembly plants for electric cars. This not only grants China access to the Nigerian market but also strengthens its foothold in Africa’s automotive sector.
Geopolitical influence and soft power
China uses its economic diplomacy and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand its geopolitical influence. A clear example in 2024 is its relationship with Ethiopia, where China funded the construction of the railway linking Addis Ababa to the port of Djibouti, enabling the landlocked nation to access international maritime trade. This type of project strengthens China’s position as a crucial ally in Ethiopia’s economic development.
Moreover, China continues to seek diplomatic support from African nations in international forums. In 2024, issues concerning Taiwan and alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang remain areas where China seeks Africa’s backing. In exchange for economic aid, many African countries maintain pro-China stances in global forums like the United Nations, blocking or abstaining from criticism of China’s policies.
Debt control and Infrastructure
Debt diplomacy is a frequently debated issue when discussing China’s presence in Africa. Many African countries receive large Chinese loans for infrastructure projects, which, if unpaid, can result in the loss of control over strategic assets. A 2024 example is Zambia‘s growing debt to China. After facing financial difficulties, Zambia entered negotiations with China to restructure its debt, but there are concerns that, in the long run, China could gain control over strategic assets, such as copper mines, which are vital to Zambia’s economy.
Another example is Kenya, where the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, financed by Chinese loans, has raised concerns about the country’s ability to repay. Kenya Railways has reported challenges in generating enough revenue to service the loans, raising questions about potential Chinese control over this critical infrastructure.
Strategic security partnerships
China is expanding its military and security cooperation with several African countries. In 2024, an example is China’s growing involvement in peacekeeping and military training in Africa. Djibouti hosts China’s only official military base outside its territory, strategically located in the Horn of Africa near crucial global trade routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In 2024, China increased the base’s capacity, expanding its naval fleet in the region.
Additionally, China has sold military equipment and trained security forces in countries like Nigeria and Sudan. In 2024, China also began supplying military drones and other surveillance technologies to African governments, expanding its role as a defense supplier while reinforcing political and economic alliances.
An alternative to the western model
Many African governments view China as an alternative to the Western development model, which traditionally demands political reforms and adherence to democratic and human rights standards. China, on the other hand, offers aid and investment without these conditions, making it attractive to more authoritarian regimes.
In 2024, Zimbabwe, for example, strengthened its ties with China. After facing Western sanctions, the country turned to China for financial support and economic partnerships. China has invested heavily in Zimbabwe’s agricultural and infrastructure sectors, particularly in dam construction and irrigation projects. By avoiding political conditions, China gains the trust of regimes seeking external support without interference in their internal governance.
The long-term strategy
These examples demonstrate that China’s strategy in Africa in 2024 extends beyond merely pursuing economic gains. It is a long-term approach aimed at securing its political, economic, and military influence. Infrastructure projects, technology investments, debt agreements, and military expansion are all elements of a broader strategy to solidify China’s presence on the continent and shape the future of African geopolitics, positioning China as an indispensable partner while simultaneously fostering significant dependency of African nations on Beijing.
