10 Countries in Africa with the Highest Number of Chinese Workers
Africa’s economic landscape has seen significant transformations in recent years, largely due to the boost in trade, finance, and migration within the continent. To maintain and amplify this economic momentum, African countries are focusing on infrastructure development—a goal that requires substantial investment and collaboration. One of the key players supporting Africa’s economic growth through investment and development is China. Chinese investments are reshaping the continent, providing local manufacturing capacities, infrastructure development, and opportunities for cross-border projects.
In this article, we explore how Chinese involvement, from government loans to foreign direct investment (FDI), is impacting African nations. We’ll also analyze the role of Chinese workers in Africa, their migration patterns over time, and the effects of these patterns on local employment.
The Growing Need for Infrastructure and Investment in Africa
To achieve sustainable economic growth, African nations are looking to enhance trade within the continent, finance projects with long-term potential, and promote migration that facilitates skill sharing and employment. Infrastructure development is central to these goals, allowing countries to improve transportation, energy, and other critical sectors that drive trade and industry. However, with many African economies still developing, there is a need for foreign investment to fund large-scale projects. This is where China’s role becomes prominent.
China’s Influence on Africa’s Infrastructure Development
China has become one of the most influential foreign investors in Africa, playing a vital role in developing infrastructure across the continent. From roads to railways, airports, and ports, Chinese-funded projects are transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape, helping to bridge the development gap. China’s involvement in Africa is fueled by government loans and FDI, which provide African countries with the financial support they need to take on ambitious projects.
China’s economic partnerships with African countries typically come with the assurance of construction expertise, as well as local manufacturing capabilities. This support strengthens the foundation for African nations to achieve long-term economic stability. Notably, the bulk of these investments isn’t limited to physical infrastructure alone; they also support industrialization and the growth of local industries, enhancing the continent’s self-sufficiency in manufacturing and production.
The Role of Migration in China-Africa Relations
One critical, and sometimes controversial, aspect of Chinese investments in Africa is the migration component. Many Chinese companies operating in Africa bring their own workforce to manage and execute projects. From engineers to technicians, Chinese experts are often deployed to oversee the operations, typically resulting in a workforce dominated by Chinese nationals rather than local employees. This migration is part of the contractual agreements that China holds with many African governments, as Chinese companies aim to ensure projects are completed to their standards.
A report by global development consultancy Development Imagined highlights this trend, noting a strong association between countries with significant Chinese investments and the presence of Chinese workers. The report states:
“We find a strong association between the countries with high levels of FDI, contract revenues, loans, and Chinese workers– i.e., countries where there are projects (loans or revenues), do have more Chinese workers.”
This pattern suggests that the volume of Chinese workers in any given African country may correlate closely with the size and scope of Chinese-funded projects. Consequently, African countries that receive substantial FDI from China often have larger populations of Chinese workers on project sites.
Also Read: The Rise of China as a Top Destination for African Students
Chinese Migration to Africa: A Look at the Numbers
Chinese migration to Africa began to rise in the early 2000s as China’s influence on the continent expanded. Data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics shows that around 180,000 Chinese workers were in Africa in 2009. This number steadily grew, reaching its peak in 2015, when approximately 263,659 Chinese nationals were working in various African countries.
However, the years that followed saw a gradual decline in these figures. By 2022, the number of Chinese workers in Africa had reduced to just 88,371. This decline in foreign labor marks a critical shift in Africa’s labor market, with African governments now more inclined to encourage local employment over imported labor, especially in light of rising unemployment rates across the continent.
Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Numbers of Chinese Workers
Certain African countries continue to have higher numbers of Chinese workers, largely due to their robust partnerships with China and extensive Chinese-funded projects. According to data from Statista, here are the top ten African countries with the highest populations of Chinese workers:
- Algeria – 10,219 Chinese workers
- Congo (DRC) – 8,705
- Nigeria – 8,280
- Guinea – 6,442
- Ethiopia – 5,963
- Angola – 5,460
- Egypt – 5,020
- Kenya – 4,425
- Zambia – 3,819
- Tanzania – 3,439
Together, these ten countries account for around 42% of all Chinese workers in Africa. Algeria, with over 10,000 Chinese workers, leads the list. The presence of Chinese workers in these countries reflects the scale and complexity of ongoing Chinese-backed projects, from energy infrastructure to transportation and industrial plants.
Opportunities for Local Employment in Africa
The declining number of Chinese workers in Africa presents African countries with a valuable opportunity to increase local employment and enhance skill development.
Many African nations, including those with high unemployment rates, view this as an ideal time to bridge the skills gap by training local workers to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Governments across the continent are implementing policies to promote local hiring and create frameworks that incentivize foreign companies to employ African workers.
However, challenges remain. There are concerns about whether local workers possess the technical skills required for specialized roles traditionally filled by Chinese experts.
To address this, African countries are focusing on skills training and education programs to equip their workforce for high-demand roles in construction, engineering, and technology. These initiatives aim to create a future where Africa is not only economically independent but also technically self-sufficient.
Conclusion
China’s role in Africa’s economic development is undeniable. Through investments in infrastructure, industry, and manufacturing, China has become a central player in Africa’s growth story.
The influx of Chinese workers, while initially essential to project completion, is now on the decline, signaling new opportunities for African labor markets.
As African countries continue to develop their workforce and industries, the focus on local employment and skill development will play a key role in achieving sustainable economic growth across the continent.
By encouraging a balanced approach to foreign investment, Africa is well-positioned to leverage Chinese investments while empowering its own people, creating a path toward long-term prosperity and self-reliance.
