Throughout November 2024, China’s role in Africa continued to strengthen, marked by investments in infrastructure, green energy, and cultural exchanges. African leaders showcased their presence on global stages at key events like the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As China remains committed to working with African nations, the continent’s development and future economic trajectory are increasingly shaped by Sino-African cooperation.
Africa’s Ambitious Goals at COP29
The climate change conference in Baku saw African negotiators pushing for significant commitments to help combat the climate crisis. Their target was to secure $1.3 trillion annually by 2030 for climate finance, aiming to support adaptation measures for climate-vulnerable nations. African representatives were clear that global cooperation was crucial, and they called for stronger partnerships, better valuation of Africa’s natural resources, and the operationalization of the UN’s Loss and Damage Fund, which is designed to provide financial support to nations suffering from the impacts of climate change.
However, these ambitious calls for climate finance were tempered by the reality that African negotiators have limited leverage in international negotiations. Although they pushed for greater support, some acknowledged the tough political climate, noting that the odds were stacked against them.
China played a significant role in the discussions. The country sought to avoid contentious topics like debt repayments and instead focused on existing climate projects in Africa. Chinese officials emphasized the need for developed countries, particularly the US and Europe, to contribute more financially to the global fight against climate change, advocating for a multilateral approach to climate action.
One key outcome of the summit was the signing of several agreements aimed at boosting cooperation between China and African countries. On November 12, China announced it had mobilized around $24.5 billion for climate action in developing nations since 2016, calling on developed countries to do more. Nigeria and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate climate action through joint efforts, while Ethiopia joined China in discussing climate solutions linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China’s Support for Africa at the G20 Summit
The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro further highlighted China’s ongoing support for Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his commitment to African development, listing support for the continent as one of the top priorities in his global development agenda. During the meeting, China reaffirmed its $49.7 billion pledge made during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in September 2024 in Beijing. This fund is dedicated to modernizing African nations over the next three years, reinforcing China’s long-term interest in supporting the continent’s economic growth and stability.
Additionally, Xi announced the launch of the Open Science International Cooperation Initiative. This project, led by China, Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union (AU), aims to ensure that technological advances in science benefit less developed nations, offering a pathway for Africa to join in global innovation and progress.
China’s Infrastructure Investments in Africa
China’s investments in Africa’s infrastructure continue to grow, with North Africa emerging as a major area of focus in November. In Morocco, China Overseas Engineering Corporation won a $135 million contract to help expand the country’s high-speed rail network, outbidding French companies in the process. This deal is part of a broader effort by China to strengthen its role in Morocco’s transportation sector.
Morocco is also becoming a key player in the global shift to renewable energy, as seen in a significant agreement between Chinese company Gotion High-Tech and Morocco’s financial investment body, CDG. The two parties are set to build a $316.4 million electric vehicle battery factory, helping Morocco establish itself as a hub for clean energy.
Algeria also saw a major Chinese investment in November, with the launch of a new railway sleeper factory in Tindouf. This factory is part of a larger $262 million project aimed at expanding the country’s railway infrastructure. Similarly, China is involved in several transportation projects across the continent, including a new $15 million road renovation project in Madagascar and a $3.8 billion airport expansion in Angola.
Green Innovation and Sustainable Development
China’s support for green and sustainable development is evident in its ongoing projects across Africa. In Ethiopia, China, together with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), opened a Center of Excellence designed to advance Africa’s green development goals. The initiative focuses on transferring technology and expertise to African countries, helping them develop sustainable solutions that will drive economic growth without harming the environment.
In Kenya, China partnered with the UN Environment Program to fund a bamboo agroforestry project, teaching local farmers sustainable farming techniques. The project aims to reduce deforestation while providing new income streams for rural communities. Additionally, in Ethiopia, the Ethio Green Mobility Expo 2024 showcased innovations in renewable energy and electric vehicles, with Chinese companies like Guangdong GuangWu Holdings collaborating with Ethiopian businesses to bring these technologies to Africa.
Expanding China’s Soft Power Across Africa
China’s influence in Africa is not just about investments and infrastructure—it’s also about cultural exchange and diplomacy. In November, Chinese diplomats continued to engage with African leaders, further strengthening the bilateral ties between China and several African nations. One example is the successful economic cooperation between Jiangsu, a province in China, and various African countries. Jiangsu has set up hundreds of enterprises across the continent, helping boost trade and investment.
In many African nations, there is a growing interest in Chinese language and culture. The China Cultural Center in Nigeria reported a significant increase in the number of students learning Chinese, while similar centers in countries like Djibouti and Algeria have also seen impressive growth. These cultural exchanges are supported by agreements like the one between China and Kenya, which aims to offer scholarships to Kenyan students and promote Chinese language learning in schools across the country.
China’s Humanitarian Contributions to Africa
Beyond business and politics, China continues to support African nations in areas like health and humanitarian aid. In Ethiopia, China helped improve the country’s demining capacity, ensuring that landmine risks were reduced and people were educated about the dangers. In Malawi, China donated over 33 metric tons of maize flour to help families facing food insecurity.
In addition, China’s Peace Ark, a floating hospital run by the Chinese navy, visited several African nations in November, providing medical care to thousands of people. In Mauritania alone, the Peace Ark treated over 8,000 patients, conducted thousands of medical tests, and performed numerous surgeries, all free of charge.
Unique Developments and Future Prospects
While much of China’s involvement in Africa follows established patterns of investment and cooperation, there were some notable outliers in November. In Nigeria, China National Chemical Engineering signed a $1.2 billion deal to revitalize a gas-processing facility, potentially boosting Nigeria’s aluminum production. In Ghana, the government opened a new gold mine with the help of Shandong Gold, a Chinese mining company. This mine is expected to generate millions of tons of ore and create hundreds of jobs in the region.
In Mali, China signed an agreement to build a plant for manufacturing explosives, a move that underscores China’s growing influence in Africa’s resource sector.
Lastly, on the geopolitical stage, the reelection of Donald Trump in the United States raised questions about the future of the Chagos Islands, a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. As China’s involvement in the region grows, particularly in Mauritius, there are concerns about the security of military facilities like the US-UK base on Diego Garcia, a key military asset in the Indian Ocean.
China’s engagement in Africa in November 2024 highlights a growing partnership that spans economic, political, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Through investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development, China continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s future. As African nations push for greater climate finance and global cooperation, China’s continued support and involvement on the continent will be a defining factor in shaping Africa’s development trajectory for years to come.
