82% of African youth view China’s influence as positive
China has over the past two to three decades transformed its economy to form trade bonds with Africa that transcend mere diplomatic ties.
About three decades ago, China’s share of Africa’s trade was merely 3 percent. However, as of 2012, this figure grew exponentially to 13 percent. Even though this growth of interest is primarily spurred by China’s interest in Africa’s resources, a good number of African youth consider the country’s influence on the continent as positive.
An African Youth Survey conducted by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation has disclosed that positivity towards China’s role in African nations is on the rise among the continent's youth, with recent figures showing an increase in favourable views from 78% in 2022 to 82% in 2024.
The survey conducted across multiple African countries revealed that the perception of China’s influence is overwhelmingly positive among youth in Rwanda and Chad, both recording 96%, followed by Kenya at 95% and Nigeria at 93%. However, more doubt exists in Gabon (60%), Ethiopia (63%), and Namibia (70%), where fewer young people view China's impact as beneficial.
In addition to these positive views, African youth are also recognising key global figures who they believe will shape the continent’s future. Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group, and Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, were identified as leading figures expected to have a major influence on Africa in the coming years.
