AU Commission Chair defends China–Africa ties, rejects “Debt-Trap” criticism

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has strongly defended Africa’s growing partnership with China, describing it as a relationship rooted in “mutual interest, respect and mutual understanding,” and dismissing criticism that Chinese engagement has pushed African countries into a “debt trap.”

In an exclusive interview with CGTN’s Leaders Talk, Youssouf said Africa’s cooperation with China represents a decisive break from past global power dynamics. “The era of hegemonic kinds of relationships, the era of dominance, has ended with the decolonization of our countries,” he said. African nations, he added, have long been searching for equitable partnerships and “found it with China.”

The interview comes at a symbolic moment, as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. According to Youssouf, the milestone reflects not just longevity but a deepening of trust and cooperation between the two sides.

One of Youssouf’s strongest remarks addressed accusations that China’s lending practices have trapped African countries in unsustainable debt. He rejected the claim outright, arguing that it ignores the realities on the ground.

“They are wrong,” Youssouf said, referring to critics. “When others were not interested in developing infrastructure on the continent or assisting Africa in very important sectors, China took a step forward.” He added that African leaders do not share the view that Chinese financing is predatory, saying, “All the criticism around China putting African countries in a debt trap — we don’t believe in that.”

Youssouf pointed to visible infrastructure projects across the continent as evidence of the partnership’s impact, stressing that development outcomes “speaks for themselves.”

Beyond financing, Youssouf described China as a source of inspiration for Africa’s own development ambitions. “China has been a miracle of development, a very inspiring showcase for all of us,” he said, noting that the country has “achieved miracle numbers” in economic growth and poverty reduction.

Africa, he argued, should draw lessons from China’s experience while charting its own path. “The continent needs to replicate that,” he said, particularly in areas such as industrialization, connectivity, and modernization.

Asked about China-Africa business relations, Youssouf said African countries view China as a reliable partner in an increasingly fragmented global economy.

“We are grateful to China,” he said, adding that “when other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its hearts and doors to African member countries.” He described China as “a friend to the African countries,” emphasizing the importance of cooperation based on solidarity rather than conditionality.

Youssouf has also noted African Union supports China’s “one China” policy because it mirrors Africa’s own stance on territorial integrity, the AU chairperson said. “Chinese borders are sacred, just as African countries’ borders are,” the chairperson said, adding that the continent “does not support secessionist movements.” Citing Somaliland as a recent example, the chairperson said backing the one China principle helps African nations protect their own unity.

China’s engagement with Africa has been growing and is visible in major infrastructure and industrial projects across the continent. These include railways such as the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, which links landlocked Ethiopia to the sea, and Kenya’s Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, a key trade corridor.

Chinese-backed port developments, including Tanzania’s planned Bagamoyo Port and the expanded Port of Doraleh in Djibouti, have strengthened regional logistics and trade capacity. In the energy sector, projects such as Nigeria’s Zungeru Hydroelectric Dam and Zambia’s Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station is expected to expand electricity access.

China has also invested in industrial parks and special economic zones, such as Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone and Egypt’s Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone.

In 2025 alone, China and African countries signed 28 new infrastructure cooperation agreements worth $5.27 billion, covering railways, energy, and industrial development as part of Belt and Road cooperation.

Despite the scale of these projects, challenges remain. Debt sustainability, local employment practices, and China’s growing geopolitical influence continue to be debated both within and outside Africa. Youssouf acknowledged these concerns indirectly but maintained that African countries are capable of making sovereign decisions based on their development priorities.

China’s evolving and expanding partnership with Africa comes at a time when its rival, the United States, is adopting a harsher stance toward the continent. This includes imposing visa restrictions, tariffs, and most recently, cutting aid programs, a move that has impacted millions. The remarks of the African Union Chair reflect these shifting dynamics, highlighting China’s deepening ties with Africa and the changing balance of influence on the continent.