Is China exporting its model of political authoritarianism to Africa?

|Published 2:00 PM ET, Tuesday February 18, 2025|

By Michael Omoruyi, Ph.D. | 21st Century Communications LLC.

China’s engagement with Africa has often sparked debates about whether it is exporting its model of political authoritarianism to the continent.

While China has significantly increased its economic, political, and technological influence in Africa through trade, investment, and infrastructure projects, the idea that it is deliberately exporting authoritarianism is complex and nuanced.

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How China Engages with Africa

Economic Influence: China has become Africa’s largest trading partner and a major investor in infrastructure projects, providing loans and funding through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Political and Diplomatic Ties: China has established deep political relationships with African leaders, supporting governments irrespective of their governance models.

Technology and Surveillance Exports: Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE have provided digital infrastructure, including surveillance technology that some governments have used to monitor dissent.

Soft Power and Training: China hosts training programs for African officials, sometimes emphasizing state-led development, media control, and governance strategies aligned with its own model.

Is China Promoting Authoritarianism?

Indirect Influence: Rather than directly imposing its governance model, China often strengthens existing authoritarian tendencies in some African states by providing tools, funding, and diplomatic backing.

Appeal of the “China Model”: Some African leaders view China’s rapid development under a centralized political system as an attractive alternative to Western democratic governance.

Surveillance and Digital Authoritarianism: Chinese technology has been linked to increased state surveillance, internet restrictions, and suppression of opposition voices in some African countries.

Non-Interference Policy: Unlike Western nations that condition aid on democratic reforms, China follows a non-interference policy, engaging with governments regardless of their human rights records.

Counterarguments

African Agency: African governments make their own political choices, and many have long-established authoritarian tendencies that predate Chinese involvement.

Economic, Not Political, Motivation: China’s primary interest is economic expansion rather than ideological exportation.

Varied Governance Models: Some African countries engaging with China remain democratic, suggesting China’s influence does not automatically lead to authoritarianism.

While China’s engagement in Africa may reinforce authoritarian governance through economic support and technology, it is not actively imposing its political system. Instead, it offers an alternative development model that some African leaders may voluntarily adopt or adapt to their own contexts. The debate remains open, with concerns over China’s role in strengthening digital authoritarianism and weakening democratic norms, but African nations retain agency in shaping their political futures.