Construction and mining have attracted the largest share of FDI from China to Africa

Key takeaways

  • Construction and mining dominate Chinese FDI in Africa, accounting for nearly 60% of the total investments
  • Financial intermediation, manufacturing, and commercial services also received $10.96 billion combined, smaller than construction alone
  • Leasing and commercial services attracted $2.16 billion, the least among all sectors
  • China’s FDI strategy in Africa continues to emphasise resource extraction and infrastructure, reinforcing economic interdependence

Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa is heavily concentrated in construction and mining, which together received $23.34 billion in 2022. This represents nearly 60% of the total Chinese FDI in the region. Other sectors, including manufacturing and financial intermediation, also attract investment, but in smaller amounts. The least-funded sector, leasing and commercial services, received just $2.16 billion.

Source:

Johns Hopkins University SAIS China-Africa Research Initiative

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