The New Great Game: India and China Vie for African Influence

(Analysis) India and China are locked in a fierce competition for influence across Africa. This rivalry has intensified in recent years as both Asian giants seek to expand their economic and diplomatic footprint on the continent.

India’s President Droupadi Murmu recently embarked on a strategic tour of Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi. Her visit highlights India’s renewed push to strengthen ties with African nations.

China has long been Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $254.3 billion in 2021. India, however, is catching up rapidly.

Its trade with Africa hit $83 billion in 2023-24, making it the continent’s third-largest trading partner after the EU and China. Indian exports to Africa stood at $45 billion, while imports totaled $38 billion.

Both countries have distinct approaches to engaging with Africa. China focuses on large infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.

It has pledged over $50 billion in credit lines and investments to Africa for the next three years. India, on the other hand, emphasizes capacity building, skills development, and technology transfer.

India’s Growing Influence in Africa

India has completed 206 projects in 43 African countries and has 65 more under construction. The total expenditure for these projects amounts to about $12.4 billion.

India also provides thousands of scholarships to African students each year. This approach aims to foster long-term relationships and build local capacity.

China’s engagement is often seen as state-driven and focused on resource extraction and strategic infrastructure. Some critics have raised concerns about debt-trap diplomacy.

However, China has recently shown flexibility in debt restructuring, as seen in Ethiopia. India positions itself as a more benign partner, emphasizing cultural and historical ties with Africa.

India promotes a “people-centric” approach, focusing on digital cooperation, healthcare, education, and supporting local capacity building. It also leverages its 3-million-strong diaspora in Africa to deepen economic ties.

This strategy resonates with many African nations seeking diverse partnerships. The competition between India and China offers African countries more options and bargaining power.

Most African nations take a pragmatic approach, seeking to benefit from engagement with both Asian giants. They are not inclined to choose sides but rather to maximize opportunities from multiple partnerships.

As this new “Great Game” unfolds in Africa, both India and China face the challenge of aligning their strategies with African development priorities.

African nations increasingly seek partnerships that respect their sovereignty and support their aspirations for greater global influence. The continent’s leaders are becoming more assertive in negotiating terms that benefit their countries.

The intensifying India-China rivalry in Africa reflects broader geopolitical shifts. It underscores the continent’s growing strategic importance in the global economy and international relations.

As Africa’s young population and abundant resources attract more attention, the competition for influence is likely to intensify further.