China’s involvement in Africa’s port infrastructure has expanded dramatically over the past two decades. Today, Chinese state-owned enterprises are active in 78 of Africa’s 231 ports, controlling nearly a third of the continent’s maritime trade hubs. While much of this investment has been framed as economic development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), concerns are growing that these ports could serve a dual purpose: commercial expansion and military power projection.
How China Secured Control Over African Ports
China’s aggressive port expansion strategy in Africa is driven by two major policies: the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Go Out Policy.” These programs encourage state-backed Chinese companies to build, finance, and operate infrastructure projects worldwide. African ports are a major focus, particularly in West Africa, where 35 Chinese-backed ports have been developed.
Paul Nantulya, a researcher at the National Defence University’s Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, emphasizes the scope of China’s ambition. “This reinforces the central role that the continent plays in China’s global ambitions,” he states. China’s port investments are not simply about economic growth; they are a key part of a larger strategy to integrate Africa into China’s global trade network.
A prime example of this strategy is Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port. Built by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), it was financed by the China Development Bank and is now operated by a Chinese firm with a 54% stake under a 16-year lease. This level of control allows China to dictate trade flows, shipping fees, and docking rights—offering major economic leverage over the host nation. As Nantulya’s report details, “The operator determines the allocation of piers, accepts or denies port calls, and can offer preferential rates and services for its nation’s vessels and cargo.”
According to estimates, China earns as much as $13 in trade revenue for every dollar invested in African ports. This makes port investments highly profitable for Beijing while also positioning China as an indispensable trade partner for many African nations. But economic benefits are just one part of the equation. The strategic placement of these ports could provide China with a powerful naval advantage in the region.
The Military Implications of China’s Port Investments
While China officially denies any intention to convert commercial ports into military bases, history suggests otherwise. In Djibouti, China initially invested in the Doraleh Port as a commercial project but later expanded it into its first overseas military base in 2017. This move raised alarms about whether similar transitions could occur at other Chinese-controlled African ports.
Several of these ports have already hosted Chinese naval visits and joint military exercises. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has conducted 55 port calls and 19 military drills in Africa since 2000, in locations such as:
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Maputo, Mozambique
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Durban, South Africa
- Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
Many of these ports have the infrastructure to accommodate Chinese warships, fueling speculation that they could be transformed into logistical hubs for Chinese naval operations. According to John Calabrese, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, China’s military presence in these ports “might be repurposed for military applications,” a possibility that aligns with the PLA Navy’s “two oceans” strategy, which seeks to extend China’s reach across both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Chinese military strategy emphasizes “strategic strongpoints”—foreign ports that provide logistical support for naval deployments without the need for full-scale military bases. These ports could allow China to project power in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, reinforcing its global naval ambitions.
Isaac Kardon, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warns that the transition of Djibouti’s Doraleh Port into a military facility could be a precedent for other locations. “The potential for more intensive utilization of these dual-use facilities is clear, as is the possibility of the establishment of another base, perhaps on the Gulf of Guinea where counter-piracy would provide a parallel rationale to the earlier move to set up base in the Gulf of Aden,” he explains.
China’s Investment: How Much Have They Spent?
China has poured billions into African port development. While precise figures are difficult to verify, estimates suggest that China has invested over $50 billion in African maritime infrastructure, with additional funding in roads, railways, and logistics networks connecting inland regions to the ports.
This heavy investment not only strengthens China’s economic foothold but also increases African nations’ dependence on Beijing for trade and infrastructure, making them more susceptible to Chinese political influence. Calabrese describes this influence as “resource-led diplomacy,” in which China uses financial leverage to secure access to raw materials and minerals.
Additional Advantages for China
Beyond military and economic control, China’s presence in African ports offers several strategic benefits:
- Resource Access: Africa is rich in minerals and hydrocarbons. By controlling ports, China ensures uninterrupted access to critical raw materials.
- Political Influence: China’s investments grant it leverage over African nations, helping it secure diplomatic support in international organizations such as the United Nations.
- Expansion of Chinese Companies: Ports serve as entry points for Chinese products, boosting exports and expanding China’s economic dominance in African markets.
- Security of Trade Routes: China’s ports provide secure transit points for its global trade network, reducing reliance on Western-controlled maritime routes.
Impact on U.S. Interests
China’s growing control over African ports presents a significant challenge to U.S. influence in the region. The U.S. military relies on African ports for logistics and counterterrorism operations, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa. If China restricts access to these ports, it could hinder American military operations and weaken U.S. partnerships with African nations.
Additionally, China’s ability to use these ports for military purposes could shift the global balance of power. The U.S. has long dominated naval operations in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but a network of Chinese-controlled ports could enable Beijing to challenge that dominance.
The Future: Could China Establish More Military Bases in Africa?
While China currently has only one official overseas military base in Djibouti, speculation persists that more could follow. Potential locations for future bases include:
- Walvis Bay, Namibia
- Lekki, Nigeria
- Victoria, Seychelles
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Luanda, Angola
China’s approach may not involve overt military expansion but rather a gradual transition of commercial ports into dual-use facilities. If China faces a major security crisis or increased piracy threats, it could justify military expansion under the guise of protecting its overseas interests.
What’s Next for Africa?
African nations must carefully balance economic gains from Chinese investments with concerns over sovereignty and security. While China’s infrastructure projects provide much-needed development, they also come with strings attached—debt dependence, political influence, and the risk of military encroachment.
As China’s footprint in Africa continues to grow, the global community will need to closely monitor how these ports are used. Whether they remain commercial hubs or evolve into strategic military assets could shape the future of geopolitical power in the region for decades to come.
ACZ Editor: This is a serious blunder on our part. In the last 15 years, the U.S. has sent between $50 and $70 Billion in foreign aid to Africa and we have nothing to show for it. For the same price, China has invested in infrastructure and has establish firm control over the maritime channels. They bought in cheaply and are taking advantage, much to our detriment.