In a significant shift of global influence, China has surpassed the United States as the most influential global power in Africa, according to the latest edition of the Rating World Leaders report released by Gallup.
The report reveals that China’s approval ratings in Africa experienced a notable increase, rising from 52% in 2022 to 58% in 2023, marking its highest leadership approval rating in the region in a decade. Meanwhile, the United States saw a decline in its approval ratings, slipping from 59% in 2022 to 56% in 2023, thereby relinquishing its top position to China.
Key findings from the report indicate that China’s approval ratings are now two points ahead of the United States, underscoring the country’s growing soft power and influence across the African continent. This surge in approval ratings is particularly evident in West African countries such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal, where China recorded double-digit increases.
China’s ascent to the position of the most influential global power in Africa can be attributed to its robust engagement with the continent, notably through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With bilateral trade between China and Africa reaching a record $282.1 billion in 2023, the BRI’s investment in infrastructure projects has significantly deepened China’s footprint and influence among African economies and governments.
Also, read; Burkina Faso Suspends BBC and Voice of America Over Human Rights Report Coverage
While the United States saw positive approval ratings in countries like Ghana, Mauritania, and Tunisia, overall median approval ratings for the U.S. dipped across the continent. Sharp declines in approval were observed in countries such as Uganda, Gambia, and Kenya, contributing to the overall decrease in the U.S.’s regional influence.
Additionally, the report highlighted an improvement in Germany’s leadership image, positioning it on par with the United States. Meanwhile, Russia’s leadership, while still the least popular among the four global powers mentioned, experienced a rebound in median approval ratings, indicating a slight increase in influence compared to previous years.
As China cements its position as the dominant global power in Africa, the shifting dynamics of influence underscore the evolving geopolitical landscape and the increasing importance of African nations on the world stage.
