China’s role in Africa reflects one of the most significant shifts in global alliances and economic power dynamics over the past decade.
In 2024, China’s trade with Africa increased nearly 5 per cent year on year. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s plan to grow global trade, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation have contributed to the rise of China as the continent’s top trading partner.
Despite its domestic economic slowdown, China’s relationship with African nations is evolving as Beijing shifts towards public-private partnerships and engaging financial institutions for project funding rather than traditional government-to-government loans. Trade is also diversifying, with Africa exporting more non-resource goods like coffee and avocados to China.
In this video, Africa expert Hannah Ryder and Post Africa correspondent Jevans Nyabiage discuss the evolving China-Africa economic partnership.
