Seven in ten Africans express concern about the influence of foreign powers, with China and the US being perceived as the most influential. Interestingly, many view this influence positively, according to 2024 African Youth Survey.
The survey commissioned by the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation surveyed 5,604 people between the ages of 18 and 24 in Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
African youth still see China as the biggest international player in their countries, but its perceived influence is on the decline. Back in 2020, 83% of young people felt China had a strong influence, but that number dropped to 79% in 2022 and then to 76% in 2024.
This shift mirrors broader trends, like China's slowing economic growth, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing US-China trade tensions, changing patterns in China's investments, and rising concerns about debt. All these factors are reshaping the economic and political relationship between China and African nations.
Despite the overall decline in perceived influence, positive sentiments among African youth regarding China's impact on their countries have risen from 78% in 2022 to 82% in 2024.
Nearly all youth in Rwanda and Chad feel positively about China's influence (both at 96%), followed closely by Kenya (95%) and Nigeria (93%).
Below are 5 major factors driving positive perceptions of China in Africa:
1) Chinese products affordability - 41%
One of the key drivers behind positive perceptions of China is the affordability of Chinese products, cited by 41% of respondents. China's ability to produce a wide range of goods at lower prices has made everyday items accessible to many in developing countries.
From electronics to clothing and household goods, the influx of affordable Chinese products has impacted consumer markets. This affordability allows individuals and families to stretch their purchasing power.
2) Infrastructure development - 40%
China's investments in infrastructure development, noted by 40% of respondents, are another major factor contributing to its positive image.
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), often dubbed the New Silk Road, is one of the most ambitious infrastructure ventures ever undertaken, and its impact is felt deeply on the continent. This initiative has facilitated the construction of projects, including power plants, railways, highways, ports, and telecommunications infrastructure across the region.
While China's massive infrastructure investments hold the potential to usher in a new era of trade and economic growth for African economies, there are concerns among sceptics that China might be laying a debt trap for borrowing governments.
3) Loans & economic support - 35%
Provision of loans and economic support is also a major driver of favourable views toward China, with 35% recognizing this contribution.
In many developing nations, China's financial assistance has been a lifeline, offering funds for large-scale projects that might otherwise be unattainable.
While African countries have gained a lot from these loans, there are growing worries about the long-term costs-like rising debt and threats to economic independence.
4) Employment opportunities - 30%
China's role in creating employment opportunities in host countries is also a notable factor, with 30% acknowledging this benefit.
Chinese companies operating abroad often hire local labour for construction projects, manufacturing plants, and retail enterprises. This employment generation contributes to unemployment rate reduction and provides skill development for local workers.
However, there are also concerns about labour practices and working conditions.
5) Exportation of goods - 22%
Lastly, 22% of respondents viewed China positively as providing a market for their country's exports.
Over the last 20 years, China has become sub-Saharan Africa's largest bilateral trading partner. Around 20% of the region's exports now go to China and about 16% of Africa's imports come from China, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In 2023, this relationship reached a record total trade volume of $282 billion.
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