“The Sleeping Giant has Awoken,” China’s Geopolitical Influence and One Belt One Road Strategy on the African Continent

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23499210

Malatji T L and Ngozo N (Department of Public Administration, University of Limpopo, South Africa)

China has been the most successful developing country in the modern era of globalization and remains Africa’s largest trading partner, largely thanks to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategy and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). China’s rapid growth drives its need for new markets and resources, leading it to focus on the African continent for expansion. However, it remains unclear whether this relationship will be truly win-win, with equal benefits, or if Africa will continue primarily as a supplier of raw materials. In such a scenario, African people could face greater exploitation as their resources are extracted and shipped to Asia, fuelling Chinese economic growth. China, now a global economic power, is spreading its influence across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. It employs notionally unconditional aid, low-interest loans, and technical cooperation to secure bilateral deals, especially in oil-rich countries, and broader trade agreements. The Chinese appear willing to do whatever it takes to extract African resources. Africa’s vast natural wealth explains China’s extended hand, yet silent strings are often attached. For the relationship to benefit Africa, the continent must gain meaningfully from infrastructure development, which can strengthen its economy as trade between the two continents continues.