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Even Amid a Pandemic, Chinese FDI in Africa Jumped Almost 10% Last Year

by Eric Olander

Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa increased by 8% in 2020 compared to the previous year, from $2.7 billion to $2.96 billion. Including the 2020 investments, the total Chinese FDI on the continent amounts to $47.4 billion, according to data in a new report published by the China Africa Business Council (CABC).

But the distribution of Chinese investment on the continent remains highly unequal with just 12 countries, mostly resource-rich states, accounting for two-thirds of all FDI in Africa. South Africa tops the list with $6.5 billion, or 14% of the total, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo with $5.8 billion and $3.4 billion in Zambia, according to the CABC report.

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