China is hosting a summit with 50 African nations in Beijing this week, aiming to deepen economic ties and secure markets for its goods, particularly in the green technology sector. This comes as Western nations impose restrictions on Chinese exports, including electric vehicles and solar panels.
While China promises increased loans and investments, African leaders are looking for more than just promises. They are demanding concrete plans to fulfill a $300 billion trade pledge made at the 2021 summit, as well as progress updates on unfinished infrastructure projects. There is a growing understanding among African leaders that China’s priorities have shifted.
“The prize is going to go to those countries who have carefully studied the changes in China and align their proposals with China’s new slimmed-down priorities,” said Eric Olander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project. “That’s a big ask for a continent that generally has very poor China literacy.”
China’s approach to Africa is evolving. While it remains Africa’s largest lender, investor, and trade partner, it is moving away from funding large-scale infrastructure projects towards promoting its advanced green technologies. This shift is driven by Western restrictions on Chinese exports and a desire to find new markets for its growing production of EVs and solar panels.
China has adjusted its loan conditions, prioritizing projects like solar farms, EV plants, and 5G Wi-Fi facilities. This reflects a strategic shift towards fostering sustainable development and strengthening its technological foothold in Africa.
Last year, China offered just 13 loans totaling $4.2 billion to eight African states and two regional banks, with a significant portion allocated to hydropower and solar projects. This indicates a more targeted and focused approach to financing in the region.
The upcoming summit is taking place amidst heightened geopolitical competition. The United States, seeing China’s growing influence in Africa, has stepped up its engagement with African leaders. Britain, Italy, Russia, and South Korea have also hosted Africa summits in recent years, recognizing the region’s potential and its diplomatic weight.
China’s dominant role as a financial and trade partner makes its summit a significant event. However, African leaders are becoming increasingly assertive in seeking a more balanced relationship.
“There is no other development partner that does that much,” said Hannah Ryder, founder of Development Reimagined, an African-owned consultancy. “But are African leaders able to push China to really dig in so that the balance of the ‘win’ is way more towards the African side?”
While China will likely emphasize boosting trade and access to minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium, it may be cautious about new funding commitments, particularly in countries with outstanding debt burdens. This caution stems from debt restructuring efforts following the 2021 summit in economies like Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia.
“We are likely to see a continued prudence in terms of financing mega projects,” said Lina Benabdallah, of the Centre for African Studies at Harvard University, adding that Beijing would push for technology transfers instead.
China’s enthusiasm to lend might also be tempered by security concerns. Recent incidents like the clash between Niger and Benin, which killed six Nigerien soldiers guarding a PetroChina-backed pipeline, and deadly protests in Kenya over tax hikes, highlight the complexities and risks of operating in the region.
The upcoming summit will be a pivotal moment for China-Africa relations. The outcome will depend on how effectively China addresses African leaders’ concerns while pursuing its own strategic objectives. It remains to be seen whether the summit will lead to tangible progress or simply reaffirm existing commitments.
