African Arguments posted on 13 August 2026 a commentary titled "The Beijing of It All: Africa's Development Terms Are No Longer Written in Washington or Brussels" by Wanjiku Wanjohi.
Political conditionality associated with Western aid is giving way to a new framework established by China. China describes its interaction as a partnership based on non-interference and rapid delivery of development projects. As a result, Africa now has meaningful alternatives and greater negotiating power.
Comment: While Chinese loans and assistance do not come with the baggage of political conditionality, they do have economic conditionality. For example, Chinese loans and projects must be implemented by Chinese companies, usually state-owned ones.
