China is Invading Africa
Hi,
I’m about to talk about something that barely gets discussed, but absolutely should: China’s growing influence in Africa.
To keep this focused, I’ll talk about my country of birth, Cameroon.
Cameroon maintains relationships with both China and Russia, but it’s clear that China dominates. According to published research, China accounts for approximately 67% of all foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Cameroon [1]. That’s control. These investments span critical infrastructure like roads and ports, as well as agriculture and manufacturing, totaling billions of dollars.
So why does a global super power like China care about Cameroon?
Because it’s strategic. Academic research shows China’s engagement in Cameroon is driven by a mix of resource extraction, economic expansion, and geopolitical positioning [1]. This isn’t altruism. It’s a long-running playbook: exploit weak institutions, partner with corrupt or entrenched governments, and lock in influence where resistance is low and oversight is minimal.
Now add Russia.
In April 2022, Cameroon signed a military cooperation agreement with Russia covering training and intelligence sharing [2]. At the same time, Russian-linked media outlets have been actively pushing anti-Western messaging across Francophone Africa. Not just in Cameroon, but region-wide. This isn’t accidental. It’s coordinated narrative warfare.
Cameroon isn’t being invaded. Cameroon is being rewired.
The messaging is subtle but effective:
France is reframed as the villain
China is cast as the “respectful partner”
Domestic repression is rebranded as “anti-colonial sovereignty”
This isn’t unique to Cameroon. The same pattern is playing out in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad. Different timelines, same strategy. China and Russia aren’t rushing this because they don’t need to. They understand that slow influence is permanent influence. One contract, one military agreement, and one shifted narrative at a time.
Thanks for reading.
Sources:
[1] https://africaopl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-004-e_AOPLSS-V3-No1.pdf
