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Jevans Nyabiage
Africa Correspondent
Kenyan journalist Jevans Nyabiage is the South China Morning Post's first Africa correspondent. Based in Nairobi, Jevans keeps an eye on China-Africa relations and also Chinese investments, ranging from infrastructure to energy and metal, on the continent.
Kenyan journalist Jevans Nyabiage is the South China Morning Post's first Africa correspondent. Based in Nairobi, Jevans keeps an eye on China-Africa relations and also Chinese investments, ranging from infrastructure to energy and metal, on the continent.
Languages Spoken:
English
South African trade is pivoting to China as US tariffs bite, but Chinese industrial dominance poses a new dilemma.
US racing to fund infrastructure in Africa to process and mine critical minerals as it lacks the capacity on home soil.
While Chinese firms have long brought their own translators to the continent, they are now often hiring local linguists.
Economic ambitions are the priority, says official with project that Washington has framed as de-risking mineral supply chains from Beijing.
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Analysts urge Beijing to invest in Africa’s industrial capacity to reduce its substantial trade deficit and create a more balanced relationship.
The two countries are set to survey rare earth elements while strengthening security ties in Mozambique’s conflict-ridden north.
On week-long trip to China, Namibian minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi pitches investment case to business leaders in Shenzhen.
Beijing’s efforts in food and medical relief, a sector traditionally dominated by US programmes, could partly fill the void, observers said.
From Algerian oilfields to Moroccan battery factories and Egypt’s industrial base, Beijing may now fast-track projects across the region.
Continent is China’s fastest growing export market in first quarter of 2026, with machinery and hi-tech shipments leading US$60 billion surge.
The Nairobi Railway City project is being built by Chinese contractor but Britain is helping to provide the funding.
China’s ‘safe city’ project can counter terrorism and curb crime but critics worry it may repress political opposition and peaceful protests.
New financing breathes life into long-stalled Standard Gauge Railway extension across African country at estimated cost of US$5.4 billion.
A black market in harvester ants has sprung up in Kenya, with big implications for the environment.
On the same day South Africa is disinvited from the G7 summit following threats from Washington, Beijing offers tariff-free trade.
Nairobi reaches a zero-tariff trade agreement with Beijing allowing Kenya to expand exports but it must tread carefully due to Washington.
Beijing boosts economic self-reliance and long-term stability as a matter of ‘national security’ while Middle East conflicts continue.
As resource-rich nations introduce export bans and other limits, analyst says investment may not automatically follow.
Analysts say China’s five-year plan suggests layered security, and PLA training to protect diplomats, nationals and assets from terror hits.
The African nation has a clause in its deal with Chinese lenders that could help fresh up extra cash for new projects.
Statistical discrepancy reflects different reporting practices and ‘opaque’ global commodity chains, according to observers.
Washington aims to spend billions in Africa to build up a strategic reserve of key minerals, but analysts warn it may not be so simple.
Chinese nationals warned to avoid high-risk areas after infrastructure becomes a primary target for rebels seeking to halt military junta.
Analysts say Beijing is gifting space infrastructure as a form of soft power on the continent.
As Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export and a primary foreign currency earner, tobacco dominates its trade with Beijing.
Envoy makes the pledge as Beijing prepares to roll out tax-free access to the Chinese market for goods from 53 African nations.
A Kenyan investment agency says most projects signed off in 2025, including a steel processing plant were either operational or being built.
Chinese commercial truck builder FAW now outsells major Western and Japanese brands including Toyota, Daimler and Isuzu.
Technologies for synthesising substitutes or alloys could cut time required to secure critical materials to just a few years.
