Financial Times Explores the Current State of Chinese Lending in Africa

Last year’s controversy surrounding the fate of the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and the (incorrect) allegation that it risks being seized by Chinese creditors is the subject of a new in-depth report by two prominent Financial Times journalists, Africa Editor David Pilling and Greater China Correspondent Kathrin Hill.

They use the Entebbe Airport story as a kind of case study, or more of a cautionary tale, to try and explain the current state of Chinese lending patterns in Africa. While they don’t provide any firm conclusions, they do leave the reader with the impression that Chinese asset seizures remain a risk (the “debt trap” narrative that has been attacked by scholars and analysts) and that Chinese creditors are somehow behaving nefariously because they want their money back.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.