Africa is taking a key position in the global economic and geopolitical order, as it has the world’s youngest population, substantial reserves of the critical minerals essential for the energy transition and vast areas of arable land. This is partially why the continent is no longer a trivial and peripheral arena but a primary sphere of international competition and partnership. If we examine China’s deepening engagement in Africa, particularly when it comes to strategic investment, infrastructure development and trade, we can see the opportunities on offer.