Chinese Premier in Zambia for the First Time in 28 Years

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, in the first such visit in nearly three decades. The stop is described as carrying political and economic dimensions beyond mere protocol, aimed at strengthening China's presence in Africa via the "Belt and Road Initiative."

Zambia: A Model for Chinese Investment and Geoeconomic Competition Arena

• Zambia's Economic Status: The visit comes as Zambia (rich in copper) struggles to overcome a severe financial crisis. Zambia owes China about $5.7 billion, making Beijing the country's largest official creditor.

• The Chinese Model: The Chinese leadership seeks to present Zambia as a model for countries that successfully overcame their financial crises with Chinese support, aiming to expand export markets for electrical equipment, tractors, and construction machinery.

• Fierce Competition: Zambia is now viewed as a geoeconomic competition arena between major powers, especially after the government successfully restructured its $13.4 billion debt.

  • Rival Projects: The West continues to develop the "Lobito Corridor" via Angola and the DRC, contrasting with renewed Chinese investments in the historic "TAZARA" railway linking Zambia to Tanzania's coast.

• Internal Challenges: Optimism over Zambia's economic growth (projected at 6.5% next year) is challenged by internal issues, notably an acid leak from a Chinese-run copper mine last February, which polluted the vital Kafue River and sparked wide political controversy.

Consolidating Influence in Africa

Chinese companies have injected about $6 billion into Zambia over the past two decades, mostly in the mining sector. Observers see Li Qiang's visit as an attempt to consolidate Chinese influence in this country, which is a vital gateway to African resources and markets, amidst rising international competition for the heart of the continent.