Chinese companies are involved in over one-third of African port projects. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies says they often control key stages—from financing and construction to operations—and sometimes share ownership.
Port projects are part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Beijing has financed, built, invested in, or operates about 78 trade ports across Africa.
“African ports matter to China because they control key trade chokepoints,” said Irina Tsukerman of Scarab Rising Inc., speaking to The EastAfrican. Most African trade moves by sea, making ports vital points for clearing, storing, and routing cargo.
Ad space
Analysts say Chinese involvement raises security concerns since many ports can support both commercial and military use.
“At least seven Chinese-backed ports in Africa have features capable of berthing Chinese naval vessels,” said Paul Nantulya of the Africa Center in an interview with Engineering News-Record.
Examples include Luanda, Walvis Bay, and Victoria, which can host various Chinese warships. Satellite images also show the port of Mombasa has a military-grade dock capable of berthing multiple naval vessels.
A 2024 study by the Royal United Services Institute says many Chinese-funded ports are built for “dual use,” supporting trade but adaptable for military operations.
Analysts often cite Doraleh Port as an example. After the Chinese-built port opened in 2017, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti praised the project. The port overlooks the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, through which up to 20% of global trade passes.
Two months later, China opened its first overseas military base nearby for the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
Nantulya said Chinese military ships have docked more than 10 times in recent years at ports including Lagos, Durban, and Dar es Salaam.
He believes China will likely build another military base in Africa, though the location remains uncertain.
Comments