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-min…