What to know about China’s ties with Africa, from aid to infrastructure
President Xi Jinping’s tour of four African countries is expected to extend Beijing’s influence on the continent
China’s engagement with Africa has accelerated over the decades as the middle kingdom eyes the world’s second largest continent for opportunities for economic growth and geopolitical influence.
President Xi Jinping’s visits this week to Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa and Mauritius – his first overseas trips of the year – are expected to build ties and extend Beijing’s influence on the continent.
Africa has a role in Xi’s signature programme, the “Belt and Road Initiative”, which aims to revive the ancient Silk Road land and sea trade routes through the building of roads, ports and bridges.
As Xi visits Africa, here is a look at the four key areas where China is expanding its presence on the continent.
Infrastructure
Beijing’s multitrillion-dollar belt and road strategy is an extensive infrastructure network of railways, ports, roads and pipelines that aims to connect China with much of the world, including Africa.
