China, UAE are transforming African economies, but on whose terms?
China and the UAE are racing to get ahead in Africa’s economic future, each using a different playbook.
For years, China has dominated Africa’s investment landscape, building massive infrastructure projects and securing long-term stakes in industries such as mining and energy.
Its Belt and Road Initiative remains the primary channel of that engagement. In just the first half of 2025, Beijing committed $124 billion to new projects worldwide, $39 billion of which went to Africa.
In recent years, however, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a key force on the continent. Between 2019 and 2023, Emirati companies announced roughly $110 billion in projects across the region.
China’s approach
