China’s growth and appetite for foreign direct investment (FDI) has made Africa its largest investment destination, according to a new report written by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for leading global law firm, Mayer Brown. The report, “Playing the Long Game: China’s Investment in Africa”, finds that whilst energy and mineral resources have attracted the most Chinese FDI, investments and activities that support Africa’s physical infrastructure is underestimated. 

Exploring the opportunities and challenges facing Chinese investors in Africa, the report highlights increased African trade, more direct investment and a surge in export credit financing as the primary drivers of China’s current economic policy towards Africa and looks at the diversity and success of projects that have been financed. It also documents the perception of Chinese investment in Africa and the unique political, cultural and legal challenges of realising projects across such a diverse range of countries.