ADHERE: China’s stable economic performance good news for Africa

China's investments in Africa which are often through public-private partnerships, transfer technology and skills, empowering local workforces

by CAVINCE ADHERE

Siasa19 October 2025 - 10:00

In Summary

Africa-China trade has been a bright spot in Beijing's overall foreign trade surge, with imports and exports growing steadily in the first eight months of 2025
This reflects deeper integration via BRI projects, which have enhanced connectivity and market access for African exports

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China's economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and dynamism, even as it navigates a complex global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. China's internal market remains a powerhouse, insulating the economy from external volatility. Retail sales of consumer goods rose 4.6 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2025, with service consumption such as tourism and live performances growing even faster at 5.1 per cent. This reflects a shift toward higher-quality consumption.

A key strength of China’s economy is the rapid expansion of the "new quality productive forces," particularly in high-tech sectors. Industrial value-added output surged 5.2 per cent year-on-year in August 2025, with manufacturing up 5.7 per cent and high-tech manufacturing leading at 9.3 per cent. Key subsectors like smart vehicle equipment (up 17.7 per cent), electronic components (13.1 per cent) and integrated circuits (23.5 per cent) underscore the digital empowerment and AI-driven transformation.

The enduring external pressures, such as United States trade frictions and a faltering global economy, have not derailed China's trade performance. Total foreign trade grew 3.5 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2025, marking the third consecutive month of simultaneous export and import expansion. This growth stems from a diversified structure, with robust increases in trade with regional blocks such as the European Union, ASEAN, BRICS and Africa; particularly Belt and Road Initiative partners.

The strengths of China’s economy, rooted in innovation, policy responsiveness and market depth, has enabled Beijing to achieve steady progress, with August 2025 data showing consistent improvements across production, retail, investment, and trade. As policies continue to unfold, including intensified fiscal support, the economy is poised to inject greater certainty into the global arena, going forward. This is certainly good news for African countries, which today, have in the China, the largest trade partner, leading source of foreign direct investment, and top financier of development projects.

In tandem with its internal vigour, China's economic model and global engagement make it an unparalleled partner for African nations, offering comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation that transcends traditional aid. This partnership is particularly vital today, as African countries grapple with post-pandemic recovery, climate challenges, and the need for infrastructure-led growth. China's approach emphasises trade, investment, and capacity building, delivering tangible outcomes that align with Africa's development agendas like Agenda 2063.

Africa-China trade has been a bright spot in Beijing's overall foreign trade surge, with imports and exports growing steadily in the first eight months of 2025. This reflects deeper integration via BRI projects, which have enhanced connectivity and market access for African exports. This trade has helped African countries diversify from over-reliance on commodities, fostering job creation and revenue for reinvestment in social services.

China's investments in Africa which are often through public-private partnerships, transfer technology and skills, empowering local workforces in the continent. Amid global supply chain disruptions, these initiatives have proven resilient, with Chinese firms contributing to Africa's green energy transition.

Additionally, Beijing’s partnership with Africa extends to soft infrastructure, mirroring its domestic successes in public welfare. During the Covid-19 era and beyond, China supplied vaccines and built hospitals across Africa, while initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation continue to commit billions to education and healthcare in the continent.

As global powers impose tariffs or withdraw investments, China's steady economic growth provides African partners with a dependable anchor. The 3.5 per cent trade uptick with Africa in early 2025, despite headwinds, underscores this reliability. By promoting South-South cooperation, China helps Africa navigate US-China frictions, ensuring diversified partnerships that enhance bargaining power and economic sovereignty.

China's blend of economic scale, technological prowess, and equitable engagement positions it as Africa's most promising ally. This relationship not only accelerates Africa's leapfrog development but also reinforces global stability, as thriving African markets in turn bolster China's diversified trade strategy.

The writer is a scholar of international relations with a focus on China-Africa Development Cooperation. X: @Cavinceworld