China’s economic ascendancy in Africa threatens U.S. imperialism and climate action

China’s economic ascendancy in Africa threatens U.S. imperialism and climate action

China has firmly established itself as Africa’s primary trade and investment partner, overtaking the United States and Europe. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has pledged $51 billion in new investments across the African continent over the next three years. This economic ascendancy is not only challenging U.S. influence in the region, but also threatens to undermine global climate action efforts.

Sino-African Economic Ties

China’s trade with Africa has grown exponentially since the 1990s, particularly after China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. China is now Africa’s largest bilateral trade partner, surpassing the U.S. in 2009. About 25% of Africa’s exports, primarily minerals, fuels, and metals critical for defense, renewable power, and electric vehicles, go to China, while 16% of its imports come from China. In 2023, China-Africa trade reached a record $282 billion, or 9.9% of Africa’s GDP.

China has also become the continent’s biggest investor, pledging $191 billion between 2006 and 2021. It has invested in 53 out of Africa’s 54 countries, primarily in port areas along the coast. These connectivity projects, such as the $3.8 billion railway between Nairobi and Mombasa, have increased the indebtedness of some African nations, leading China to cut back on BRI investment.

Implications for U.S. Interests

China’s growing influence in Africa poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests. The region’s 54 votes at the United Nations provide Beijing with a counterweight to U.S. imperialism. Moreover, access to Africa’s vast mineral resources, including critical materials for the green energy transition, is crucial for China’s continued economic and technological ascent.

In response, the U.S. has sought to counter China’s influence by signing hundreds of trade and investment deals worth $14.2 billion with African countries in 2023. However, these efforts pale in comparison to China’s more comprehensive engagement through the BRI. The U.S. has also sought to rival the BRI through the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, but its impact remains limited.

Sustainability Concerns

China’s investments in Africa’s energy sector, while expanding access to electricity, also raise concerns about sustainability. Beijing has pledged to launch 30 clean energy projects, but it has also continued to finance coal-fired power plants and other high-emitting infrastructure across the continent.

This threatens to undermine global climate action efforts, as Africa is expected to contribute a growing share of global emissions in the coming decades. The environmental impact of Chinese-funded projects, including their effect on biodiversity and deforestation, has also come under scrutiny.

Impact on Climate Action

China’s Investments in African Energy Sector

China’s energy investments in Africa span a wide range of technologies, from solar and wind farms to hydropower and nuclear projects. While some of these investments are in renewable energy, a significant portion still goes towards fossil fuel-based infrastructure.

For example, China is financing a $14 million “Africa Solar Belt” program to provide solar energy to 50,000 households in Chad and Nigeria. However, it has also continued to back the construction of coal-fired power plants in countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Environmental Consequences of Chinese Projects

The environmental impact of Chinese-funded projects in Africa has been a major concern. Many of these initiatives, including mining operations and infrastructure development, have contributed to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for instance, Chinese companies have been linked to the illegal logging of tropical forests. Similarly, the construction of dams and hydropower plants has disrupted delicate ecosystems and displaced local communities.

Clash with Climate Mitigation Efforts

China’s continued support for fossil fuel projects in Africa clashes with the global effort to mitigate climate change. As the continent experiences the devastating effects of global warming, including more frequent droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, the need for sustainable energy solutions has become increasingly urgent.

By financing high-emitting infrastructure, China is undermining the transition to a low-carbon future in Africa. This not only threatens the continent’s own climate resilience but also jeopardizes international goals for greenhouse gas emission reductions and the achievement of the Paris Agreement’s temperature targets.

Geopolitical Dimensions

Shifting Power Dynamics

China’s economic ascendancy in Africa represents a significant shift in global power dynamics. The United States and Europe, long the dominant external actors in the region, are now facing a formidable challenger in Beijing. This shift is seen in the changing composition of Africa’s trade and investment flows, as well as the growing political influence of China across the continent.

Contestation of Influence

The competition for influence in Africa has intensified, with the U.S. and its allies seeking to counter China’s rise. This is evident in the increased trade and investment deals signed by the U.S. in 2023, as well as its efforts to finance infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor in Angola, which aims to dislodge Chinese control over critical mineral supply chains.

Multilateral Approaches

As the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China plays out in Africa, there is a growing call for a more multilateral approach to the continent’s development. Institutions like the United Nations, the African Union, and regional economic communities can play a role in ensuring that Africa’s partnerships with external actors are aligned with the continent’s own development priorities and climate action goals.

Developmental Perspectives

Chinese Model of Investment

China’s model of investment in Africa, centered around the BRI, has been characterized by a focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, power purchase agreements, and debt financing. While this approach has expanded access to electricity and transportation networks, it has also led to concerns about debt sustainability and the environmental impacts of some projects.

African Nations’ Strategies

African nations are navigating this complex geopolitical landscape by pursuing a range of strategies. Some are seeking to balance their relationships with China, the U.S., and other partners, while others are aligning more closely with Beijing in the hope of securing much-needed investment and development assistance.

Debates on Equitable Growth

The competition for influence in Africa has also sparked debates about the role of external actors in the continent’s development. There are concerns that the pursuit of geopolitical and economic interests by global powers may not always align with the goal of achieving equitable and sustainable growth in Africa.

The European Future Energy Forum provides a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to engage in discussions on how to ensure that Africa’s energy transition and economic development are guided by the principles of sustainability and self-determination. By fostering multi-stakeholder dialogues and promoting collaborative approaches, the forum aims to shape a future in which China’s economic ascendancy in Africa serves the interests of the African people and the global climate.

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