Chinese Belt and Road investment in Africa jumped 254% to a record US$33.5 billion in H1 2026, two-thirds of global BRI flows, led by Ethiopia and Egypt.
Africa · Great Powers
Key Facts
The number. Chinese Belt and Road investment in Africa reached a record US$33.5 billion in the first half of 2026, up 254% on the same period of 2025.
The share. Africa absorbed 67.24% of China’s worldwide BRI investment in the period — two-thirds of the entire programme.
The leaders. Ethiopia drew US$18.9 billion and Egypt US$9.7 billion, putting both among the four largest BRI destinations on earth.
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China’s growing influence across Africa
