China is expanding its digital footprints in Africa as a key element of its post Covid economic strategy for the continent and its companies are reported to invest $ 8.43 bn in the continent as part of this grand strategy. As part of this strategy, the Chinese government is recommending its tech giants – Huawei, ZTE and Cloudwalk to enter mobile telephony, social media, and e-commerce applications in Africa, according to experts on Sino-African ties. This is part of Digital Silk Road or DSR initiative and is putting in place telecom and digital infrastructure across key African states – Nigeria, Zambia, Angola, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. As part of the strategy ‘China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum’ was held in August with focus on building digital infrastructure.
Chinese companies are involved in the ‘Smart City’ initiative in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. China is also reportedly establishing data centers in Kenya, Djibouti, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. E-commerce platforms associated with Alibaba are also helping African states to market their agricultural products. Sino-African digital cooperation is also being promoted through international fairs. To balance Chinese ambitions other stakeholders including India, USA, EU, Japan, Gulf states and Russia may need to expand their presence in Africa’s digital sphere.