Africa looks to China as beneficial while US imposes tariffs, aid and visa cuts

The United States is losing ground to China for influence in Africa, according to analysts, as Beijing’s expansive trade policies and economic engagement outpace Washington’s increasingly restrictive approach.

The assessment came after China announced last month it would expand duty-free access for all taxable products for 53 African countries – all except eSwatini. Beijing’s move stands in stark contrast to Washington’s levying of trade tariffs, aid cuts and restrictive visa measures.

The policy comes amid US threats to cut foreign aid by closing down USAID and imposing visa restrictions on countries including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria and Somalia. From August 1, the US also plans to impose higher reciprocal tariffs on imports from nations such as Algeria, Libya, South Africa and Tunisia.

Observers said the duty-free plan was a major narrative win for China. The move is likely to further endear Beijing to African nations, which are increasingly viewing China as a more reliable and beneficial partner.

Cameron Hudson, a former US official and senior associate with the Africa programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said what was more troubling was that Washington had long believed its aid and humanitarian help to Africa would buy it the goodwill to be able to pursue whatever policies it wanted, no matter the consequences.

But this had not been the case for a long time, he noted.