Is China Really Trapping Africa in Debt?

By Alpha Mohamed Jalloh

Director China Africa Institute University of Makeni

(232news)

In recent years, we have repeatedly heard the claim that China is placing African countries in a “debt trap.” According to this narrative, China deliberately lends money to African governments knowing they cannot repay, with the hidden intention of seizing strategic assets. This claim is serious. But is it true? Before accepting such a powerful accusation, Africans must examine the evidence carefully—and think for ourselves.

Data from institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund show that Africa’s debt is owed to many different creditors: Multilateral institutions, -Private lenders and Eurobond holders , Bilateral partners, including China. In many African countries, private creditors hold a large share of external debt—often at higher interest rates than bilateral loans. Yet the “debt trap” accusation focuses almost entirely on China, If Africa is facing debt stress, it cannot logically be blamed on one partner alone.

Unlike many commercial loans, Chinese financing in Africa has largely focused on infrastructure: Roads and highways, Railways, ports, power plants, hospitals and telecommunications, these are absolutely not luxury project rather they are sustainable development projects that seek the welfare of its people.

For decades, Africa has struggled with electricity shortages, poor road networks, and weak industrial capacity. Western commercial lenders have often been reluctant to finance large infrastructure projects because returns take many years. Then China stepped into that gap to mitigate the challenges faced by African government. We are of the opinion that not every project is perfect, some projects may underperform due to weak institutions, but development itself involves risk. No country has industrialized without borrowing to build its infrastructure.

A central claim of the “debt trap” theory is that China intends to seize African assets when countries fail to repay loans. However, there is very limited evidence of China taking over sovereign assets in Africa due to default. In cases of repayment difficulty, we have seen China uses the following approach: restructuring, renegotiation, or payment extensions have been more common than asset seizure. This reality does not fit the popular narrative.

Another troubling aspect of the “debt trap” argument is the suggestion that African governments are naive or incapable of making sovereign decisions. African leaders negotiate agreements, African parliaments approve loans. African governments choose development priorities. If mistakes are made, we must hold our own institutions accountable. To assume that Africa is merely a victim removes African agency and responsibility. Africa must not be treated as a chessboard for global power competition. Africa’s debt challenges are not new. They are influenced by:

• Commodity price fluctuations
• Global financial shocks like COVID-19
• Rising global interest rates
• Currency depreciation
• Domestic fiscal weaknesses

These factors affect countries regardless of whether they borrow from China, Europe, or private markets. None of this means that Chinese lending should not be scrutinized. Transparency, environmental standards, and proper debt management are essential. African governments must borrow responsibly and ensure that projects deliver economic returns. But reducing Africa’s complex financial realities to a simple “China debt trap” slogan does not help African development. Africa needs roads, Power and industrialization. Infrastructure requires financing. The real question is not whether China is trapping Africa—but how Africa can manage all partnerships wisely, diversify its economy, and strengthen governance. As Africans, we must examine evidence carefully, reject simplistic narratives, and defend our sovereignty in both policy and thinking. Development is our responsibility. Partnerships are tools. How we use them effectively and efficiently will determine Africa’s future. In my humble submission African governments must educate its citizens on how loans are acquired and implemented on behalf of its citizens to avoid misinformation.