In the Transitional World Politics – A Triangle of Africa, the US & China
A CSNN India Desk contribution examining the political, commercial and strategic dynamics shaping Africa’s position between the United States and China in an intermediary phase of world politics.
Nandini Dash
The article situates Africa within a shifting global order shaped by multipolarity, technology, rare earth elements, clean energy and environmental pressures.
The analysis focuses on the competing influence of the United States and China while highlighting Africa’s demographic and natural-resource potential.
The publication frames development, trade, governance, peace and institutional stability as central questions for Africa’s future position.
Currently, political and commercial equation in the international scenario is in an intermediary phase impacted by the emergence of several powers instead of two super powers, AI technology and rare earth elements, demand for clean energy and above all issues of the environment.
Amid all these, a triangle of Africa, the US & China, in the transitional world politics has unique importance.
In January 2025, across the globe Trump 2.0 halted USAID including in Africa. But this decision opened the door from aid to trade between Africa and the US.
The US and Africa cooperation is based on four piers:
- Economic partnership
- Peace and security
- Health and human development
- Technology and innovation
The 18th U.S.-Africa Business Summit is scheduled to be held in Mauritius from July 26-29, 2026.
The US – Africa relationship has been more of complex than straightforward. Still in the present time, ‘trade over aid’ is the most appreciated tag line between Africa and United States of America.
Instead, after the establishment of People’s Republic of China on 1st October 1949, China maintained its strong political cooperation with the African continent.
China has made its diplomatic policy for last 36 years that each year a Chinese political leader starts his/her official overseas visit from African countries.
In January 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi marked his first foreign tour from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho.
Not only in political relations but by May 2026, China is Africa’s largest trade partner with a record trade of $348 billion.
China’s latest tariff free trade policy with 53 African nations is called “golden key” while some international critics raising eyebrows as if it is a ‘power grab policy’.
Even Prof. Melha Rout Biel, Director of Research and Senior Policy Advisor of Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies, South Sudan, suggests,
“Africa can learn from China’s win over poverty. China has made remarkable progress, lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty.
Currently, more than 460 million Africans live in extreme poverty, representing roughly one-third of the continent’s population, according to data from the World Bank.
China’s development success is partly rooted in sound governance, and reflected in zero tolerance for corruption.
In Africa, many wars and internal conflicts across the continent arise from the absence of these guiding principles.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides an important platform for bilateral engagement.”
Thus, the triangle of Africa, the US and China, seems a competition of influencers, between world’s top economies the US and China, while Africa has the opportunity to use its young population and natural resources in becoming self-sufficient while curbing civil wars and social instabilities across the African continent
