In a recent report, China has eclipsed the United States as the most influential global power in Africa, marking a significant turning point in the geopolitical landscape of the region. This remarkable rise of China is accompanied by a notable increase in its popularity, rising from 52% in 2022 to 58% in 2023, while the United States saw its confidence rating decline to 56%.
This latest edition of the “Rating World Leaders” report, published annually by Gallup, sheds light on the relative decline of American influence on the African continent. While China achieves its highest level of leadership in Africa in a decade, the United States has been relegated to second place, thus marking a remarkable reversal of traditional roles.
This shift in dynamics reflects the growing magnitude of Sino-African relations, fueled largely by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With a record bilateral trade of $282.1 billion in 2023, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, thereby strengthening its economic and political footprint on the continent.
China’s massive investments in infrastructure projects across Africa have also helped solidify its dominant position. The extent of China’s ecological footprint in Africa and its increasing influence on African economies and governments testify to its rising power in the region.
Meanwhile, although the United States has recorded double-digit increases in some African countries, including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, their overall median approval has dropped by three points across the continent. Significant declines have been observed in Uganda, the Gambia, and Kenya, signaling a loss of confidence in American leadership.
In addition to the rise of China and the relative decline of the United States, the report also highlights a marginal improvement in Germany’s leadership image in Africa. However, despite this progress, Germany and the United States remain equal in terms of approval, with respective confidence ratings of 54% and 56%.
Conversely, Russian leaders continue to face low popularity in Africa, although their median approval rating has slightly increased in 2023. Despite this slight improvement, Russia lags behind other major global powers in terms of influence on the African continent.
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