Nigeria among top drivers as Chinese exports to Africa surge past $122 billion in 2025

Chinese exports to Africa have surged past $122 billion in 2025, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt leading the demand. According to a Bloomberg report, Chinese exports to Africa increased by 25% to reach $122 billion, surpassing the continent's entire 2020 trade volume.

Nigeria was the leading destination for Chinese goods, with imports totaling $1 trillion. Construction machinery was among the top exports to Africa, with shipments increasing by 63% in the first seven months of 2025.

Despite this growth, Africa's share of China's total exports remains modest at 6%. The increase in Chinese exports to Africa is seen as a result of escalating trade tensions with the US, prompting Chinese firms to seek new markets.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013 has also played a significant role in boosting Chinese exports to Africa. The trend suggests that Africa is increasingly turning towards the Eastern market, particularly China and India, for trade.