China emerged as the largest source of investment behind Africa's biggest new foreign-backed projects in 2025, committing nearly $4.7 billion across three of the continent's 10 largest announced greenfield developments, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2026.
The investments span critical minerals, energy and industrial production, reinforcing Beijing's position as one of Africa's most influential economic partners at a time when global powers are intensifying competition for the continent's strategic resources and manufacturing potential.
UNCTAD's annual report shows that while the total value of announced greenfield investments in Africa declined by nearly one-third in 2025, the number of projects increased, indicating that investors shifted away from a handful of mega-projects toward a broader mix of new developments.
Despite the decline, the 10 largest projects still accounted for roughly 40% of the total announced greenfield investment value across Africa.
China's dominance among those projects came through three major investments worth a combined $4.7 billion.
