President Donald Trump's return to the White House could boost China-Africa ties, which would have big implications for countries like Zimbabwe.
Trump may not intend to "push Africa into the arms of China." But his policies could have that effect.
China and Africa already have strong economic and political ties. These have grown a lot in the past decade.
Before Trump took office, President Biden spoke about US-China competition. He said the US was doing better than China in the long run.
Biden claimed the US had an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative in Africa. The initiative builds infrastructure in over 180 countries.
Zimbabwe joined the initiative in 2018. It has seen Chinese investment in transport, energy, and telecoms.
Biden said China's approach exploits countries. He proposed a "resource war" in Central Africa over minerals for electric cars.
Early signs suggest Trump is not interested in this conflict. He wants to focus on tariffs and protecting US industry.
Trump's "America First" policy prioritizes US interests over all else. He has imposed tariffs on world trade, including on Africa.
Trump has also cut foreign aid, withdrew from the Paris climate accord, and stopped supporting the World Health Organization.
Trump did not prioritize Africa in his first term. He did not visit the continent. He did not invite African leaders to his inauguration.
This means Africa should focus on strengthening ties with China. Trade between Africa and China reached a record $282 billion in 2023. It could reach $300 billion in 2024.
China invests more in Africa than the US does. It is also Africa's biggest lender.
China and Africa often agree on global issues at the UN, but they do not always side with the US and the West.
It would be difficult for the US to undo China's strong links with Africa, especially in just four years under Trump.
Africa should build even closer ties with China now. A key opportunity is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Last year, it outlined 10 partnership areas. China provided $51 billion for projects.
Trump may not intend to "push Africa into the arms of China." But his policies could have that effect.
China and Africa already have strong economic and political ties. These have grown a lot in the past decade.
Before Trump took office, President Biden spoke about US-China competition. He said the US was doing better than China in the long run.
Biden claimed the US had an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative in Africa. The initiative builds infrastructure in over 180 countries.
Zimbabwe joined the initiative in 2018. It has seen Chinese investment in transport, energy, and telecoms.
Biden said China's approach exploits countries. He proposed a "resource war" in Central Africa over minerals for electric cars.
Early signs suggest Trump is not interested in this conflict. He wants to focus on tariffs and protecting US industry.
Trump's "America First" policy prioritizes US interests over all else. He has imposed tariffs on world trade, including on Africa.
Trump has also cut foreign aid, withdrew from the Paris climate accord, and stopped supporting the World Health Organization.
Trump did not prioritize Africa in his first term. He did not visit the continent. He did not invite African leaders to his inauguration.
This means Africa should focus on strengthening ties with China. Trade between Africa and China reached a record $282 billion in 2023. It could reach $300 billion in 2024.
China invests more in Africa than the US does. It is also Africa's biggest lender.
China and Africa often agree on global issues at the UN, but they do not always side with the US and the West.
It would be difficult for the US to undo China's strong links with Africa, especially in just four years under Trump.
Africa should build even closer ties with China now. A key opportunity is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Last year, it outlined 10 partnership areas. China provided $51 billion for projects.
