Fatshimetrie’s latest World Leaders Rankings Report sheds light on the shifting popularity ratings of major world powers in Africa. The report identifies countries where significant gains and losses in approval ratings have occured, highlighting the positions of each country in this ranking.
China has experienced a notable surge in approval ratings in Africa, with its highest rating in a decade recorded, notably from West African countries such as Ghana (+15 points), Ivory Coast, and Senegal (+14 points each). This increase comes at a time when China has solidified its position as Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting a record $282.1 billion in 2023. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which involves substantial investments in infrastructure projects across the continent, has played a key role in bolstering China’s influence and presence in Africa.
On the other hand, the United States has also seen double-digit increases in approval ratings from several African countries such as Ghana (+14 points), Mauritania, Ivory Coast (+13 points each), Tunisia (+12 points), Mozambique (+11 points), Senegal, and Ethiopia (+10 points each). However, despite these positive trends in certain countries, the overall median approval rating for the United States on the continent has decreased by three points due to significant drops in approval ratings in Uganda (-29 points), Gambia (-21 points) and Kenya (-14 points).
The rise of China and the relative decline of the United States highlight the competition between major world powers for influence in Africa. The strategic investments and infrastructure projects implemented by China have paid off in terms of boosting approval ratings from citizens in these African countries. These fluctuations in world leaders’ popularity ratings in Africa underscore the complex dynamics of international relations and the ongoing struggle for influence on a global scale.
As global actors vie for stronger ties with African nations, understanding the specific realities and nuances of the continent is crucial. The evolving dynamics of world leaders’ popularity in Africa underscore the continent’s growing importance on the global stage and emphasize the impact of international initiatives and partnerships on public opinion in African countries.