The authors present a brief overview of the relationship between African countries and the People’s Republic of China since its inception in the mid-20th century. The authors cover economic, humanitarian, and political aspects; highlight trade and investment flows; and summarize Chinese medical and military aid to African countries. They also cover Chinese interests in Africa and African concerns about Chinese engagement on the continent.

Chinese Engagement with Africa

A RAND Research Primer

Oluwatimilehin Sotubo, Cortez A. Cooper III

ResearchPublished Jul 15, 2025

The authors of this report present a brief historical overview of the relationship between African countries and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) since its inception in the middle of the 20th century. In this overview, the authors cover economic, humanitarian, and political aspects; highlight trade and investment flows; and summarize Chinese medical and military aid to Africa. The authors also cover Chinese interests in Africa and African countries’ concerns about Chinese engagement on the continent. In addition, three country case studies are presented to highlight how Chinese engagement differs from country to country on the continent. The authors conclude with recommendations for policymakers and propose areas for further research.

A decline in relations between the West and Africa at the end of the Cold War and the drop in Western approval because of undemocratic practices and human rights abuses in African countries have created an avenue for China to expand its relationships with African countries. While the West attached conditions to loans and assistance offered to African countries, China presented a no-strings-attached alternative, which only required African nations to respect China’s core sovereignty interests. China has also taken advantage of disinvestment by Western companies in Africa to increase its investments. Chinese economic engagement declined in the second half of the 2010s but is now enjoying a revitalization. This economic engagement has paved the way for greater political and security engagements with African countries.

Key Findings

  • The PRC’s engagement with African countries has gained widespread attention in the past decade because of increased Chinese engagement and influence.
  • Historically, Chinese interests in Africa have been mainly economic and political but now include security interests.
  • China has a stake in one or more terminals in ports in 30 African countries.
  • African leaders generally welcome Chinese engagement because China is not perceived as interfering with African countries’ internal affairs or sovereignty and does not condition its engagement on the strengthening of democratic institutions or the protection of human rights.
  • Chinese imports compete with locally produced alternatives and sometimes drive local manufacturers out of business, leaving African countries with a growing trade deficit with China. China-Africa trade continues to grow while other aspects of Chinese economic engagement are mixed.
  • Those who live in Africa are sensitive to Chinese engagement. China is also sensitive to how its image is perceived on the continent and effects policy changes to maintain goodwill in Africa.
  • African leaders leverage their relationships with China to demand better treatment and concessions from the West with varying degrees of success. China provides an alternative to a Western-led rules-based order, and some African leaders have explicitly stated a policy of looking eastward toward China and away from the West.
  • China does not have a strategic policy to lead borrowing countries into debt traps. However, a lack of coordination among the Chinese lending entities and the imprudence of politicians in the borrowing countries have often resulted in debt defaults.

Recommendations

  • With continuing Chinese engagement on the continent in mind, the United States should consider crafting a policy on Africa to signal prioritization of African countries’ development and security, promote U.S.-Africa cooperation, and facilitate U.S. access and regional freedom of movement.
  • African leaders should increase their understanding of Beijing’s priorities to improve their ability to negotiate favorable terms with China.
  • A study along three main lines of effort could improve the research picture regarding China-Africa relations and enhance support to policymakers in the United States and partner states.
  • First, the study should assess Beijing’s future priorities and modus operandi in Africa to assist African countries in better negotiating with and extracting favorable concessions from Beijing. Then, it should explore options for the United States to respond effectively to or, as needed, counter the spread of Beijing’s influence in Africa.
  • Second, the study should assess trends in African priorities to help the United States formulate Africa-related policies that increase Washington’s influence, including exploring options for Western countries to engage with undemocratic African regimes without compromising core values and without consigning such countries to Beijing’s orbit.
  • Finally, the study should examine the implications of Chinese engagement priorities for the security environment in African countries, especially as Beijing potentially moves to fill the arms supply gap left by Russia and expands basing and infrastructure for various military operations and intelligence collection functions.

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Sotubo, Oluwatimilehin and Cortez A. Cooper III, Chinese Engagement with Africa: A RAND Research Primer. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2989-1.html.
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Funding for this research was provided by the generous contributions of the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy (CAPP) Advisory Board. This research was conducted within the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy, part of International Programs at the RAND Corporation.

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