China-US Competition for DRC Copper and Cobalt

 Discovery Alert published on 8 October 2026 an analysis titled "Why China's Grip on DRC Copper Is Deepening, Not Loosening" by Muflih Hidayat.  

China's share of imported copper from the DRC, the world's second largest copper producing nation after Chile, climbed to 45 percent in the first seven months of 2026.  Chinese companies have spent years building vertical integration across the DRC's mining and refining sectors, controlling an estimated 70-80 percent of industrial-scale copper-cobalt production.  

The DRC this year banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrate, forcing more domestic value-added processing.  New smelter capacity in the DRC is largely backed by Chinese capital.  This has the effect of strengthening Beijing's position, making it difficult for American and European companies to compete.

Nevertheless, US imports of DRC copper surged in 2026, although it remains to be seen if the surge is durable and whether the Lobito Corridor project can change the nature of US-China competition in the DRC.

Kenyan Contractors Challenge Alleged Chinese Tax Breaks

 Business Insider Africa published on 28 September 2026 an article titled "Kenyan Firms Challenge Alleged Chinese Tax Breaks They Say Give Rivals a 35% Cost Advantage" by Ayodeji Adegboyega.

Kenyan contractors want the government to disclose tax and customs concessions linked to Chinese-financed infrastructure projects.  The contractors allege that Chinese companies receive a cost advantage of 25 percent to 35 percent.  A court has not yet established that Chinese contractors receive an unlawful advantage.  

China Converts Economic Influence in Africa to Strategic Influence

 Modern Diplomacy published on 14 September 2026 a commentary titled "Is China Turning Economic Influence in Africa into Strategic Power?" by Nadia Helmy.

The author argues that China is leveraging its membership in BRICS and its direct investment in Africa as tools to build economic influence that gradually translate into sustainable political, security, and strategic influence.  

China and the US Compete in Africa for Satellite Development

 Semafor published on 3 August 2026 an article titled "Africa's Space Race Is Becoming Washington's Next China Challenge" by Yinka Adegoke.

Chinese companies have provided bundled satellite packages--combining hardware, launch services, financing, infrastructure and training--to more than 20 African countries.  The US, by contrast, has focused on satellite data, technical training, and regulatory cooperation rather than hardware.  This may leave Washington at a structural disadvantage.

How China and the US Pursue African Critical Minerals

 China-Africa Security Radar published on 3 August 2026 an article titled "Fragmented Leverage: Why African States Call for Collective Bargaining but Prefer Bilateralism in Critical Minerals Negotiations" by Paa Kwesi Wolseley Prah.

The author explains how China and the United States seek advantage with African countries in bilateral negotiations in their quest for critical minerals.  China exploits bilateral negotiations through processing dominance and bundled infrastructure-mineral deals.  The United States pursues selective frameworks and corridor diplomacy.  

The Promise and Disappointment of China's Zero Tariff Policy for Africa

 The Daily Maverick published on 10 June 2026 an article titled "China's Zero-Tariff 'Gift' to Africa Could Be a Trojan Horse in Disguise" by William Gumede, University of Witwatersrand.  

China's new zero tariffs for African countries offer an opportunity to industrialize but it will only happen if they leverage China to build manufacturing capacity in Africa, transfer technology and skills, add value to raw materials, and secure Chinese financing for industry relevant infrastructure.  

China's Zero Tariff Policy for Africa: An Opportunity Not a Guarantee

 B & FT Online posted on 29 April 2026 an article titled "Africa-China 2.0 with Paul Frimpong: Zero Tariff, Zero Excuses: Africa's Moment with China Has Arrived."

China's much heralded zero tariff policy for 20 more African countries, raising the total to 53 out of 54 countries on the continent, is an opportunity but will not guarantee significantly more African exports to China.  African countries must develop new trade strategies to take advantage of the opportunity and meet remaining Chinese quality and safety standards.   

Ethiopia Moves Forward with Dams on Blue Nile; Egypt Objects

 AEI's Critical Threats Africa File posted on 9 April 2026 an article titled "Ethiopia-Egypt" by Michael DeAngelo and Liam Karr. 

Ethiopia has solicited bids from international companies to build three dams on the Blue Nile upstream from the existing Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at a total cost of $10.5 billion over seven years.  Downstream Egypt opposes the construction and sent a letter from President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to President Trump promising "a firm and decisive response" to any future dams.  Theoretically, the United Sates is trying to mediate the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia.

China Gifts Kenya a Foreign Ministry

 The Brief posted on 9 April 2026 an article titled "China to Build Kenya's Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Landmark Aid Deal."

Kenya has signed a grant agreement with the China International Development Cooperation Agency paving the way for Beijing to construct a new headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.  

While the project underscores deepening bilateral ties, it raises sovereignty concerns.  Critics warn that allowing a foreign power to finance and construct the headquarters of a ministry responsible for diplomacy and the handling of classified communications could pose security and sovereignty risks.

Kenya and Uganda Press Ahead with Chinese-built Railway Extension

 Agence France Presse published on 21 March 2026 an article titled "Kenya, Uganda Open Rail Extension Burdened by Chinese Debt."

The completion of the Chinese-built and financed standard-gauge railway from the port of Mombasa to Naivasha, which was originally intended to reach Kampala, Uganda, has become a major priority for both leaders.  The presidents of Kenya and Uganda recently met to discuss the railway extension.

Chinese companies will build the extension, which Kenya will finance by borrowing against future cargo taxes.  

Impact of Chinese State-Owned Enterprises in Africa

 The Africa Center for Strategic Studies published on 17 March 2026 an analysis titled "Chinese State-Owned Enterprises and Market Capture in Africa" by Paul Nantulya.

China has the largest state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector in the world, accounting for about 20 percent of China's GDP.  African economic sectors such as mining, railways, and power generation can become dominated by large Chinese SOEs.  They can then out compete African companies and other investors, create supply chain dependence on Chinese firms, and reduce the bargaining power of African governments.