Opinion: Africa should turn China’s investments into export power

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Africa must avoid dependency and instead leverage Chinese capital to build competitive industries, expand renewables capacity, and strengthen export power through stronger trade rules and skills transfer, writes Rachel Irvine. In this opinion piece, she argues that it is time for African countries to negotiate deals as equal partners, not passive recipients.

• Ms Irvine runs Irvine Partners, a public relations and integrated marketing agency specialising in technology and financial services.

• Africa’s infrastructure requires more than $100 billion in annual financing, and no single partner can meet this need alone. But China’s willingness, scale, delivery capacity and proven track record make it an indispensable player in addressing the challenge, she says.

Opinion article 

By Rachel Irvine

Africa may not boast the largest economies or deepest pockets, but it has what many regions lack: energy, youth, abundance, and innovation.

While the rest of the world gets older and runs out of steam, Africa’s cities are expanding, consumer demand is rising, and resources remain plentiful.

This means in the next 25 years, over half of global population growth will come from Africa, shifting the currents of investment, infrastructure, and trade.

Deep historical and cultural links keep the West engaged in Africa, but changing geopolitical dynamics are altering how its economic and strategic importance is perceived.

Recognising its potential as a new frontier for global economic growth early on, China was Africa’s first investor in the 21st century.

Over the past two decades, China has shifted its early focus on extractive industries to investing in renewable energy, railways, ports, manufacturing, digital networks, and healthcare. This commitment has helped lay much of the physical and digital backbone that Africa so desperately needs to grow.

Projects backed by Chinese investment have strengthened critical systems and enabled new markets in Africa. The National ICT Backbone in Tanzania has expanded broadband access, made e-health and e-learning possible, and strengthened e-government services.

In Sierra Leone, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital continues to enhance healthcare and played a vital role during the Ebola outbreak. The proposed $1.4 billion upgrade of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway will revitalise a key regional trade corridor for copper exports and boost transport in the region.

Such stories, about local projects, stimulate markets, build skills, and engender the conditions for African businesses and consumers to thrive.

Africa must be a partner, not a passive recipient of Chinese largesse by making African Continental Free Trade Area rules bite at the border, cutting clearance times, lifting product standards, and expanding export finance so manufacturers can deliver volumes.

Manage debt in the open, and drop the tired “China asset grab” narrative, because outright takeovers are rare. The real work is negotiating clear, enforceable contracts that secure skills transfer and grow local capacity.

The aim isn’t investment for show, but investment that builds competitive industries and export muscle. That’s how Chinese capital turns into jobs and exports.

China’s approach has evolved to match Africa’s economic trajectory. The early years were defined by sovereign-backed mega-projects.

Today, China is keen on targeted, more manageable and commercially viable investments that encourage local participation and private-sector delivery while providing a clearer return on investment.

This “small and beautiful” phase of its Belt and Road Initiative is well suited to Africa’s priorities: building industrial capacity, expanding renewable energy, and accelerating digital transformation.

The automotive sector offers a clear example. In South Africa, nearly half of the 14 Chinese car brands that are now active in the country, entered the market in the past year.

BYD, one of China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, plans to triple its dealership network by 2026 and expand its range of electric and hybrid models.

Other manufacturers, including Chery and Great Wall Motors, are gaining ground by offering technology-rich, competitively priced vehicles tailored for African consumers.

These moves are about more than sales: they are building supply chains, creating jobs, and positioning South Africa as a hub for electric vehicle adoption and assembly.

Shifts in global trade are reinforcing these opportunities. As Western protectionism grows, including through US tariff regimes, China is expanding zero-tariff access for African goods and strengthening its role as a reliable trade partner. For African economies, this opens new markets and buffers against volatility in traditional export destinations.

Why engagement matters

For African governments, China’s role is pragmatic and strategic because it speeds up infrastructure delivery, broadens industrial bases, and opens new trade corridors.

For businesses, aligning with this investment momentum can mean first-mover advantage in high-growth markets, improved access to logistics and industrial hubs tied into global supply chains, and opportunities to co-develop products and services for a rapidly expanding consumer base.

However, simply being present in the right markets is not enough. Success depends on positioning: showing a clear understanding of local priorities, demonstrating long-term commitment, and framing participation as part of Africa’s wider development story, which is why those that approach this relationship with clarity and purpose will gain both economic and reputational value.

This requires communicating the partnership in a way that resonates with audiences in both Africa and China – replacing outdated narratives of dependency with a focus on mutual benefit, shared priorities, and tangible results. Because perceptions can shift quickly and decisively, telling that story effectively is as critical as the investment itself.

Looking ahead

Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap still exceeds $100 billion. No single partner can close it, but China’s willingness, scale, delivery capability, and track record make it an indispensable player in meeting that challenge.

For those who read the signs, the opportunities are boundless. The next decade will define the course of Africa’s growth and decide who reaps its rewards.

Businesses, investors, and decision-makers who seize the opportunity – and position their willingness – will help to write Africa’s new story.

The article is republished with permission. It first appeared in the Business Daily.