Chinese investment in Africa reaches record $33.5 billion in first half of 2026

Chinese investment in Africa reached a record $33.5 billion in the first half of 2026, accounting for 67.2% of all investment directed to countries participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Investment Report 2026 H1.

The figure marks the highest level of Chinese investment in Africa since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, underscoring the continent's growing importance in Beijing's global economic strategy.

Ethiopia and Egypt emerged as the largest recipients of Chinese capital during the period, attracting $14.8 billion and $12.2 billion, respectively. Investments were concentrated in renewable energy, mining, industrial manufacturing and technology projects, reflecting a shift away from the large-scale transport infrastructure projects that dominated the early years of the BRI.

Analysts say the trend highlights China's increasing focus on securing access to critical minerals, expanding clean energy supply chains and strengthening industrial partnerships across Africa as global demand for strategic resources continues to grow.

The record investment also signals Beijing's broader transition from infrastructure lending toward direct investment in productive sectors capable of generating long-term economic returns. Renewable energy projects, mineral processing facilities and industrial parks have become key priorities as China seeks to deepen its economic engagement with African countries.

The latest figures reinforce Africa's position as a strategic destination for Chinese investment, with the continent playing an increasingly central role in global supply chains linked to the energy transition, advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.