IMAGE: Prof. Alfred Schipke, Director of the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore
The notion of a “China debt trap” in Africa is not supported by empirical data, according to analysis presented during the Africa–China Dialogue hosted by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) at the CEIBS Africa Campus in Accra.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Professor Alfred Schipke, Director of the East Asian Institute (EAI) at the National University of Singapore, provided insights from the newly launched IMF-backed volume Africa–China Linkages: Building Deeper and Broader Connections, which he co-edited. His presentation challenged prevailing Western narratives that portray Chinese lending as predatory, suggesting instead that multiple factors, including commodity price volatility and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, shape Africa’s debt challenges.
He highlighted that Africa’s public debt surge reflected increased borrowing domestically and abroad. China’s lending in turn accounts for a relatively small share of Africa’s total public debt, but represents a significant proportion of the region’s bilateral debt. Hence, China’s participation in debt restructurings has been critically important.
The forum also included a panel discussion with Dr. Samuel Darkwa, Governance Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Ghana, who highlighted the importance of strong institutional governance and domestic accountability in managing development financing effectively.
In closing remarks, the ACCPA reiterated the importance of evidence-based discussions on Africa–China cooperation and encouraged stakeholders to move beyond politicized narratives that undermine Africa’s policy sovereignty.
The event brought together policymakers, scholars, private sector leaders, and development practitioners, and also marked the official launch of Africa–China Linkages: Building Deeper and Broader Connections—a timely and comprehensive study of the evolving financial and economic engagement between Africa and China.
