China is set to host a summit of 50 African nations this week, urging them to increase their purchases of Chinese goods before Western sanctions take effect. In exchange, China promises to expand its loans and investments in the continent.
However, African leaders attending the three-yearly event may not be easily swayed. They are seeking assurances from China regarding its commitment to a previous pledge to buy $300 billion of African goods and the progress of unfinished infrastructure projects.
Experts warn that African countries must carefully navigate China’s shifting priorities to maximize the benefits of the relationship. As Western nations impose restrictions on Chinese exports, Beijing is increasingly focusing on selling its advanced technologies, such as electric vehicles and solar panels, to African markets.
China has also adjusted its lending practices, allocating more funds for green energy projects while reducing support for large-scale infrastructure projects.
The upcoming summit comes amid heightened geopolitical competition between China and the West for influence in Africa. The United States, Britain, Italy, Russia, and South Korea have all held their own summits with African leaders in recent years.
While China’s economic partnership with Africa remains unparalleled, African nations are seeking to ensure that the benefits of this relationship are shared more equitably. As the summit unfolds, it will be closely watched to see whether China can meet the expectations of its African partners.