Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Assessing the Impact of Chinese Media Influence in Africa

by Eric Olander

China’s media presence in Africa is far more pervasive today than it was a decade ago, but not in the conventional way. Very few people consume China’s traditional media offerings on the continent but millions, often unaware, engage with Chinese-produced messaging online on a near-daily basis.

The Chinese government has become very sophisticated in distributing its content to African news outlets which is then published on websites and social media platforms. Beijing also does extensive media outreach across Africa, providing journalists with training, equipment, and complementary trips to China.

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

You Might Like

China’s Growing Media Influence in Africa

The Chinese government is becoming increasingly sophisticated in its use of media in Africa to get its message out to a wide variety of audiences ...

China’s Tactics and Methods to Influence African Media

Confucius Institutes (CIs) were once known only for teaching Mandarin language and culture classes but the organization’s mission has evolved recently to now ...

The Chinese Media's African identity crisis

The Chinese Communist Party-controlled international television news broadcaster CGTN (China Global Television News) faces a seemingly-irreconcilable dilemma. While the network positions ...

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.