Name: China, U.S. and EU all want to do business in Africa
Uploaded: 2025-11-20T14:19:28.375Z
Duration: 2 min 25 s
Description: Cell phones from China, internet services from the US, and renewable energy from Europe. Africa is capitalizing on a wave of investment from global powers vying for a top spot. What does this mean for the continent?

Cell phones from China, internet services from the US, and renewable energy from Europe. Africa is capitalizing on a wave of investment from global powers vying for a top spot. What does this mean for the continent?

Cape Town

China, the US, and the EU are actively seeking to expand their economic presence in Africa through targeted investments. China is investing heavily in infrastructure projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and has a strong consumer market for affordable electronics. The US is focusing on mining rare earths and expanding digital infrastructure, while the EU is channeling funds into renewable energy and direct investment projects.

Despite the EU currently having the most direct investment projects, its funding mechanisms are described as complex and difficult to navigate. The competition among these global powers is intensifying, with each bringing different strengths and facing unique challenges in their engagement with African nations.

China, U.S. and EU all want to do business in Africa

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. This is the kind of African infrastructure project China seems keen to invest in. The U.S. has its sights set on mining for rare earths and minerals on the continent. And the EU has been channeling investment mainly into renewable energies. Across Africa, the world's three largest economic powers are jockeying for top position. The Chinese are faster and closer to the customer. They react quickly to the needs of their African business partners. And they certainly have less to worry about where to invest, especially in controversial projects like resources. Chinese phones are ubiquitous across the continent. Some go for as little as 20 euro. China's market? Africa's middle class. And so far, there's little competition with Europe. That's partly why the EU has earmarked a 150 billion euro investment package to support European projects on the continent. But... It's all terribly complicated. Just to apply for funds from the Global Gateway Program is an absolute nightmare. No, really, very complicated to even find the right people to talk to. Currently, the EU counts more direct investment projects in Africa than anyone else, while the US and China have fewer. US companies, including Microsoft and Google, are expanding internet coverage across Africa, in part via undersea cables. Of course, more projects by American providers means more competition for European companies. And I mean, the US is a serious competitor in resources and also in infrastructure. Chinese cash helped fund Africa's biggest dam. But that came at a cost. To avoid a state bankruptcy, the Ethiopian government has asked for a debt restructuring plan from its creditors.

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