A counterpoint to the hyperbole. China may be the biggest state lender, but African countries access borrow far more through international capital markets and the World Bank than any single state. Examples like Zambia are the exception and not the norm.
“In 2018 alone, African countries have sold $18.3bn-worth of euro and dollar-denominated debt. The frequency of bond issuances has also increased. As a result, about 70 per cent of Africa’s foreign debt is denominated in dollars or euros.
While some analysts link rising debt levels with lending by China, Chinese liabilities in fact accounts for less than 10 per cent of Africa’s total external debt.”
That figure doesn’t suggest that China is on the verge of re-colonizing the continent through loans ( this is without considering there is zero indication the Chinese are interested in excercising direct administrative control anywhere)
I also think discussing African politics and politicians as though it’s leaders are helpless and worthy of pity low key reproduces colonial tropes on its own
