Chinese investments in Africa soar to $34 billion so far this year

Chinese investments in African infrastructure and energy projects reached $33.5 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by energy and metals projects and manufacturers leveraging Africa’s trade access to the US and EU. Ethiopia led with a $14.2 billion Ming Yang Smart Energy project, followed by Egypt’s $12.2 billion and Zambia’s planned 660 MW coal plant.