China’s retreat from big loans has made Africa a net repayer, as Beijing turns its focus to smaller, more selective projects
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenJevans NyabiagePublished: 5:05pm, 7 Aug 2026Since the mid‑2000s, China has established itself as Africa’s principal bilateral financier for large infrastructure projects, including railways, bridges, dams and ports. But as the loans involved reach maturity, Beijing has transitioned from a net provider of funds to a net collector.
And while the tap has tightened, the bills are coming due. The advisory firm noted, referencing One Campaign data, that after advancing US$30.4 billion to African governments between 2010 and 2014, Beijing had collected US$22.1 billion in net repayments over the past five years.
