China’s emergence in Africa’s infrastructural sector can be described by many as commendable with construction of superhighways, ports and railways. China’s ambition to reinvent international trade is playing out widely across Africa. After an economic season characterized by domestic challenges such as widespread youth unemployment and a real estate crisis which led to property developers such as Evergrande to default on their debts hence reducing investor confidence in China’s real estate sector, China is making a powerful comeback in Africa where their boldness and strategies are taking the world by surprise, especially Europe and the US.
In under a year, China has signed mega infrastructure deals worth billions in Africa. For instance, Kenya signed numerous deals with China in April 2025 such as the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and toward the Ugandan Border in Malaba which will cost KES 380.0 bn and KES 122.9 bn respectively. In September 2024, China and Nigeria signed deals in which Nigeria will be able to improve its military technology, intelligence and other capabilities which will help in maintaining stability in the Sahel region. Zambia and Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to rehabilitate the 1860 km TAZARA railway which will foster rail-sea transport in East Africa. This expansive influence cements China’s commitment to Africa as an important ally in its global ambitions.
At first, the relationship may seem transactional such that China has the capital and expertise to satisfy Africa’s demand for important capital projects such as roads, railways and ports. However, the reality is deeper than that. China is on a mission to overtake the West as far as influence is concerned. The only way they can achieve this is by expanding into Africa and establishing themselves. Western influence in Africa is characterized by bureaucracy, however African leaders are now turning towards China for economic support since they are not being faced with hurdles to secure the needed support.
Critics are skeptical towards the newly found relationship between China and Africa arguing that overreliance of African countries on China for debt may prove to be detrimental since they could end up being trapped and not able to pay their debts. They also outline China’s tendency of using their labour in these projects instead of utilizing local labour. This stifles economic growth since the local professionals such as engineers are not being used therefore raising the unemployment levels. However, proponents support China’s involvement in Africa’s journey of economic growth since highways, airports and ports are key in boosting the standard of living of people by granting employment.
As Africa rises, the footprints of China’s involvement in the infrastructural development of Africa will be beneficial in shaping the powers of influence and power for years to come.
