The economic relationship between China and Africa is a subject that generates much interest and debate. Over the years, China has become a key player in the economic development of the African continent. However, in recent times, we have observed a slowdown in this dynamic and a drop in Chinese loans granted to sub-Saharan countries.
According to Le Monde Afrique, this development is partly explained by the internal difficulties encountered by China. With the real estate crisis, youth unemployment and falling exports, the world’s second largest economy is forced to demonstrate budgetary realism. Thus, the ambitions of the “new Silk Roads” project are being scaled back and China is now wary of the unsustainable debt of its partners, including in Africa.
Despite this sobriety, China remains Africa’s leading trading partner, with trade increasing nearly thirty-fold between 2000 and 2022, reaching a value of $282 billion. However, it is clear that the days of easy money and massive loans are over. African countries must now adapt to this new reality and diversify their economic partnerships.
Alongside this news, we also learn of the release of President Bazoum’s son in Niger. Salem Mohamed Bazoum benefited from provisional release from the Niamey military court and is said to have left the country to go to Togo. This release raises questions about the fate of the president himself, who has still been under house arrest for more than five months.
Discussions are underway between Niger’s ruling junta and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the Togolese president as intermediary. ECOWAS maintains economic sanctions in retaliation for the coup and demands the release of Mohamed Bazoum and imprisoned former ministers.
In the days to come, we will know what the outcome of this situation will be and whether the release of the son is the prelude to that of the father.
The evolution of the economic relationship between China and Africa as well as political developments in Niger are subjects to follow closely. They bear witness to the changing realities and challenges faced by African countries in their international relations and their quest for development.