Over the past 20 years, there has been remarkable growth in China-Africa links because of increased trade and investment. As a result, there has also been a great deal of movement of people between China and African countries. It’s estimated that there are now about 500,000 Africans in China, while the number of Chinese people in the 54 African countries ranges between one and two million.
Here are the Top 10 African Countries in which Chinese people reside:
10. Ghana
Ghana has approximately 30 000 Chinese migrants. Migration of Chinese people to Ghana dates back to the 1940s. Ghana and China trading ties have been steadily growing. But local traders have protested against the influx of Chinese traders selling imported goods and accused them of breaking investment laws. In late 2017, local traders organized protests in which they accused the Chinese of unfair competition and trading in fields in which they were not permitted to participate in.
9. Uganda
Uganda has approximately 40 000 Chinese migrants. The number of Chinese residents in Uganda has rapidly expanded in the past decade. This has coincided with an increase in trade between the two countries. Uganda and China’s trading relationship began in 2005 when Chinese investment in Uganda was only a hotel and restaurant. By 2010, China's investment in the country rivaled that of The United kingdom.
8. Nigeria
Nigeria has approximately 45 000 Chinese migrants. Chinese migration to Nigeria dates back to the 1930’s and has grown steadily along with investment. The community of China in Nigeria was founded in 1973 in an effort to coordinate the various Chinese community organizations that already sprouted up around the country and as is the case in every other country they settle in. The Nigerian business class remains displeased with Chinese businesses as they copy local inventions and flood the market with cheap alternatives.
7. Kenya
Kenya has approximately 50 000 Chinese migrants. There may have been minor settlements of Chinese people in Kenya as early as the 15th century. The relationship between Kenyan and Chinese people is complicated. While the Chinese have contributed to the infrastructure of the country, some people have complained about intellectual property theft and poor working conditions in Chinese processing factories.
6. Angola
Angola has approximately 55 000 Chinese migrants. Angola and China relations date back to pre-independent Angola. Today, Angola is one of China's biggest trading partners in Africa. There is a considerable number of Chinese construction companies in the country. The number of the Chinese population since the crash in oil prices in 2014 has fallen dramatically. Many have also left the country due to the rise of hate crimes against the Chinese community
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has approximately 60 000 Chinese migrants. People's Republic of China and Ethiopia relations were established in 1970. By 2018, Chinese direct investment in Ethiopia had reached $4 billion. Chinese investment provides critical support for the governmental operations as it provides electricity, transport, and employment opportunities which continue to stimulate economic growth
4. Sudan
Sudan has approximately 74 000 Chinese migrants. China and Sudan relations have been fruitful which has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Chinese residents. China is currently one of Sudan's largest partners in importing oil and exporting locust manufactured items. Both states enjoy a very robust and productive relationship in diplomacy, economic trade, and political strategy.
3. Zambia
Zambia has approximately 80 000 Chinese migrants. Chinese investment in Zambia is large and ranges from mining interest in Zambia's copper belt to investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The Chinese population is scattered across the country in both rural and urban areas.
2. Madagascar
Madagascar has approximately 100 000 Chinese migrants. They are considered a minority ethnic group of the country and have Africa's third largest overseas Chinese population. The Chinese came not just as indentured laborers but as free migrants too. They are heavily involved in the production of coffee beans, clothes, vanilla plants and control the alcohol and textile manufacturing sector. The recent influx of Chinese small traders whose prices undercut those of their Madagascar competitors has strained relations with the People's Republic of China.
1. South Africa
South Africa has about 400 000 Chinese migrants. Migration to South Africa dates back to the early 20th century. South Africa has the largest population of Chinese in Africa and most of them reside in Johannesburg, the country’s economic hub. As of 2013, there are 57 different regional Chinese associations operating in South Africa.