Africa’s rising debt to China undermines future cooperation, says Tunde Rahman
By Kunle Sanni –
Tunde Rahman, Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Special Duties, has said that the huge debt Africa owes China poses a major challenge to sustainable development and the future of China-Africa cooperation.
Speaking at the Nigeria Session on China’s Newest Development Plan and the Future of China-Africa Cooperation held on Friday at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, Rahman said African nations must ensure their debt to China remains sustainable, while urging Beijing to consider debt restructuring or forgiveness.
The forum, themed “Jointly Drawing the Blueprint, Sharing the Development,” was organized by the China Media Group and the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos to explore opportunities under China’s 15th Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030).
“The huge debt Africa owes China is a major problem,” Rahman said. “As of 2020, Chinese lenders accounted for about 12 percent of Africa’s external debt, which has grown more than fivefold since 2000, reaching $696 billion.”
He noted that between 2000 and 2023, Chinese financial institutions issued over 1,300 loans worth $182 billion to 49 African countries and several regional organizations.
While commending China for its significant investments in infrastructure across Africa, Rahman stressed that the partnership must evolve to address challenges such as debt sustainability, environmental protection, and local content development.
“Chinese industries in Africa must prioritize environmental and social impact assessments,” he said, adding that “China must rein in its companies to ensure they operate in ways that enhance environmental safety.”
Rahman also urged African governments to insist on local content participation in Chinese-led projects, noting that many companies bring their own technology and workforce, limiting benefits for local communities.
He praised China’s role in Africa’s economic growth, citing landmark projects such as the Lekki Deep Seaport and the Lagos Blue Rail Line in Nigeria, as well as renewable energy projects in Morocco and South Africa. However, he emphasized that Africa needs more than infrastructure—it needs technology transfer and sustainable partnerships.
