China’s Ministry of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding economic engagement with Africa, with plans to boost corporate investment—particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy—and enhance cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Shen Xiang, Director of the Ministry’s West Asia and Africa Department, highlighted that Chinese direct investment in Africa has exceeded $3 billion annually over the past five years, with projects spanning transport, industrial parks, logistics hubs, and power infrastructure.
“Africa’s improving business environment and steady economic growth have significantly increased Chinese companies’ willingness to invest,” Shen said. While past Chinese investment has focused heavily on large-scale infrastructure projects, Shen noted that the landscape is evolving. More private and diversified enterprises, including SMEs, are entering sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, agriculture, and logistics.
The Ministry outlined plans to encourage coordinated construction of industrial zones and logistics infrastructure, support youth entrepreneurship cooperation between China and Africa, promote investment-trade integration for long-term economic partnerships and tailor projects to align with each African country’s resource base and development goals.
China remains one of Africa’s largest investors and trade partners, with total trade volume between the two surpassing $280 billion in 2023. The renewed focus on inclusive and SME-led development reflects Beijing’s strategy to foster sustainable, diversified, and locally integrated economic ties. The announcement comes as African nations increasingly seek investment partners beyond traditional Western sources, aligning with the continent’s broader goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.
