Africa’s maritime space: China’s next frontier

By Mary Alorh

To be recognized as a global superpower, a nation must demonstrate dominance across multiple areas such as trade, defense, and more. Over the years, China has emerged as a significant global player, particularly through its influence in Africa. Currently, China is Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade volumes reaching billions of dollars. To maintain and strengthen its position, especially in the face of potential competition, China is strategically investing in Africa’s maritime sector.

China’s financing of infrastructure projects has significantly boosted trade with Africa since 2000, primarily by securing access to the continent’s raw materials. In 2019, minerals and oil were the leading exports from African countries like Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia to China.

Today, China controls more than 70 ports across 53 countries, including significant investments in ports near strategic locations such as the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal, with facilities in Djibouti and Port Sudan. In sub-Saharan Africa, Chinese funding has supported Angola’s Port of Luanda and the new Lekki deep seaport in Lagos, Nigeria, the largest in West Africa.

A notable example of China’s growing influence is the 20-year concession granted to the Chinese firm Shandong Port Group to manage and operate Angola’s Port of Lobito, including its multipurpose container and general cargo terminals. The initial skepticism regarding Chinese investments in Africa has largely dissipated, with many African nations now opting to partner with China in economic trade.

Port services

A crucial element of this partnership is port services, as many African ports lack the capacity to handle the large volumes of cargo necessary to sustain robust trade relationships. Consequently, China’s investment in deep-water ports along Africa’s Atlantic coast is driven by both commercial interests and strategic military considerations.

Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is enhancing its ability to efficiently transport resources from Zambia and surrounding regions to coastal areas like Mombasa in Kenya, which is viewed as a strategic point for alleviating China’s “Malacca Dilemma.”

China’s maritime strategy involves the construction of ports with dual-use capabilities, serving both military and commercial functions. This approach is evident in places like Djibouti, where ports are designed to support a wide range of activities. Such facilities allow Chinese nuclear submarines to remain at sea for extended periods, utilizing resupply bases along Africa’s Atlantic coast to enhance their operational range.

China’s development financing in Africa, largely uncontested by other powers, has implications for the security interests and regional influence of the United States and its allies. This shift in influence is particularly noticeable in the aftermath of political upheavals in the Sahel region, where China and Russia have stepped in to fill the void left by the traditional Western presence.

China’s focus on strengthening its supply chains and securing resources in Africa is likely a strategic move to mitigate the impact of potential U.S. sanctions, similar to those imposed on Russia, in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.