This week, Beijing was the center of a lavish diplomatic extravaganza, hosting more than 50 African leaders for a lavish summit designed to strengthen ties amid global political and economic instability. The Chinese government rolled out the red carpet for the visiting dignitaries with a welcome that included live traditional performances and carefully planned events aimed at highlighting the mutual respect between China and Africa.
The staging of the summit is emblematic of China’s strategy to consolidate its influence in Africa. Macharia Munene, a professor of international relations at Kenyatta University in Kenya, suggests the lavish welcome is part of a broader effort to present China as an equal partner to African countries. The elaborate ceremonies and high-profile meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping were not just about politeness; they were designed to reinforce a sense of camaraderie and shared history of resistance to Western domination.
This approach stands in contrast to the often-paternalistic tone of Western aid. As Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Africa-China Policy and Advice Centre, points out, Western powers and wealthy Gulf countries are also vying for influence in Africa. Yet China’s strategy appears to be resonating, especially in an environment where the global South seeks solidarity and partnership rather than conditional aid.
Cobus van Staden, co-founder of the China-Global South Project, emphasizes that China’s diplomatic style is deliberately designed to avoid the “dullness” of Western aid, which often comes with conditions. Instead, China has positioned itself as a fellow developing country, a stance that has helped it become Africa’s largest trading partner over the past two decades. China accounts for about a fifth of Africa’s exports, mainly metals, minerals and fuels, with exports quadrupling in dollar terms since 2001, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In contrast, China is the largest source of imports of manufactured goods and machinery for African countries.
Despite these impressive figures, the trade relationship remains heavily tilted in China’s favour. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his bilateral meeting with President Xi, expressed concern about the trade deficit and structural imbalances in trade between the two countries. The joint communiqué issued after their discussions highlighted China’s willingness to boost job creation in South Africa through recruitment conferences for Chinese enterprises, an indication of its intention to address some of these imbalances. On the other hand, Kenyan President William Ruto is seeking additional loan support for major infrastructure projects. The Kenyan government is facing significant financial pressure from a heavy debt load that eats up a large portion of its revenue. Ruto hopes to secure funding for a number of projects, including the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which is crucial for linking Kenya’s coast with neighbouring Uganda, as well as road and dam construction, and the development of a pharmaceutical park and advanced transport systems in Nairobi. Discussions about debt are central to the summit, reflecting broader concerns about China’s role as a major bilateral lender to African countries. Critics argue that Chinese loans have contributed to debt crises in countries such as Ghana, Zambia and Ethiopia. Debt sustainability is a key issue, and the summit is expected to discuss how African countries can manage their debts more effectively and reduce their reliance on external financing.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that China’s economic growth may slow, urging African countries to deepen regional integration and implement structural reforms to boost local revenues. This economic forecast increases the urgency for African leaders to negotiate more favourable terms and promote greater self-reliance.
Dr. van Staden’s advice to African leaders is to move beyond the formal aspects of these summits and focus on making substantial deals that align with their own national interests. The pomp of the summits may serve as a backdrop, but the real task for African countries is to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them to advance their own agendas and improve economic resilience.
As the world watches the emerging dynamics of China-Africa relations, it becomes clear that these summits are not just symbolic gestures. They are strategic engagements that reflect the emerging geopolitics of the 21st century, where economic partnerships are being remeasured and global influence redefined.