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China’s presence now spans 78 ports in 32 African countries, impacting global trade and geopolitics
China continues to expand its presence in Africa through the development of port infrastructure. Chinese state-owned companies are currently involved in the construction, financing or operation of at least 78 ports in 32 African countries, accounting for about a third of the continent’s port projects, according to a survey by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. China’s investment in African ports has been a key part of its strategy for economic and geopolitical expansion in the region.
China's major port projects in Africa
A distribution of investments from China to African ports on the continent follows the following breakdown:
- West Africa: 35 ports
- East Africa: 17 ports
- Southern Africa: 15 ports
- North Africa: 11 ports
Among the most relevant projects, the following stand out:
- England's tallest tower undergoes transformation into cultural hub
- Sanitation works in SP open vacancies with immediate start for construction professionals
- With R$100 million in investments, the City of Tubarão (SC) launches a program with works in daycare centers, schools, streets and health centers
- After 10 years of waiting, Planaltina shopping mall is approved and construction is scheduled to begin in July
Port of Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Tanzania’s Bagamoyo Port was designed to be one of Africa’s largest ports, with an initial Chinese investment of billions of dollars. However, the project was halted in 2019 due to contractual disputes between the Tanzanian government and Chinese companies. In 2022, Tanzania announced plans to resume negotiations to complete the project, according to BBC Africa. This is one of the most iconic examples of China’s investment in African ports.
Port of El-Hamdania, Algeria
Another significant project is the Port of El-Hamdania in Algeria, a deep-water terminal valued at US$3 billion, which was under development with the participation of Chinese companies. However, after nine years of planning, the Algerian government has cancelled the project, as reported by AGBI. The cancellation reflects the challenges faced by mega-infrastructure projects on the continent and the impact of Chinese investments in African ports.
Geopolitical impact and international response
China’s presence in African infrastructure has sparked backlash from the international community. To counterbalance this influence, the United States has stepped up its economic presence in the region. President Joe Biden recently visited Angola, where he announced a robust investment in the Lobito Rail Corridor, an initiative seen as an attempt to offer alternatives to the Chinese financing model, according to AP News.
China also reinforced its commitment to Africa by signing a $51 billion financing package to infrastructure investments and job creation over the next three years. The country has also signed strategic agreements with Nigeria for nuclear energy partnerships and economic cooperation, as reported by Reuters. These developments are part of China’s long-term strategy of investing in African ports, cementing its influence over the region’s maritime trade.
