China's New Economic Playbook: Reshaping Ties with Africa

China continues to be Africa’s leading trade partner, however, economic challenges have prompted a change in Beijing’s strategy.

The shift in China's position within Africa represents one of the most substantial changes in international partnerships and economic influence during the last ten years.

In 2024, China saw its trade with Africa expand by almost 5 percent compared to the previous year. Programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to boost international commerce under Beijing’s strategy, along with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, have helped position China as Africa's leading trading partner.

Even though China’s internal economy has slowed down, its ties with African countries are transforming as Beijing moves toward public-private collaborations and involves financial institutions for financing projects instead of relying solely on conventional state-to-state loans. Additionally, trade is broadening, with Africa increasing exports of non-mineral products such as coffee and avocados to China.

Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our esteemed team of experts.

In this video, African specialist Hannah Ryder along with Jevans Nyabiage from The Post talk about the developing economic relationship between China and Africa.

More Articles from SCMP

Who is Min Woo Lee, the emerging golf sensation who found himself chatting with Justin Bieber on FaceTime? Moving from Generation Z humor to being dubbed the sport’s first cult icon of the TikTok age... And what does his "let him cook" slogan signify?

Tragedy strikes Dubai as Howdeepisyourlove sustains an injury in the Al Quoz Sprint

Who is Martin Scorsese’s spouse Helen Morris? The filmmaker behind Goodfellas portrays himself in Seth Rogen’s upcoming comedy The Studio — however, what information exists about Morris, who is also the mother of his daughter, Francesca?

China showcases its military might with an uncommon, extensive missile drill in the Gobi Desert.

The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.

Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post a Comment