Energy has attracted the largest amount of Chinese loans to Africa

Key takeaways

  • Energy attracted the largest share of Chinese loans to Africa, totalling $62.7 billion across 207 loans
  • Transportation received $52.7 billion—the second-highest amount—through 336 loans, making it the most frequently financed sector
  • Agriculture ($2.4 billion) and education ($2 billion) received relatively low funding, reflecting China’s focus on infrastructure
  • Smaller sectors like non-energy mining and services/social protection had minimal Chinese loan activity

Between 2000 and 2023, China provided substantial loans to Africa, with energy leading at $62.7 billion (207 loans) and transportation following at $52.7 billion (336 loans). Agriculture and education received less funding, with $2.4 billion and $2 billion, respectively. The smallest loan shares went to non-energy mining ($164.6 million) and services/social protection ($36.8 million). Overall, the data highlights China’s strategic focus on large-scale infrastructure investments in Africa.

Source:

Boston University Global Development Policy Center

Period:

2000-2023
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