Top 10 countries with the largest Chinese loans in Africa 2025

In Summary

• In 2025, developing countries Cawill owe China $35 billion in debt repayments, with 75 of the poorest countries facing $22 billion in debt repayments alone. 
• The total amount of documented loans from China to Africa is $182.3 Billion over 1,306 loan deals.
• China’s lending to Africa has been largely project-driven, with a focus on key sectors essential for economic growth: Energy Sector – $62.72 billion, Transportation Sector – $52.65 billion, Information and Communication Technology – $15.67 billion, Finance and Other Sectors – $11.98 billion.
• Angola tops the list of African countries with the highest loans to China. The huge debt is due to oil-backed financing deals with Chinese banks, in which the country takes crude oil from China in exchange for infrastructure and capital projects.

Deep Dive!!

Since its first loan to an African nation in 1960, China has grown to become one of the biggest financial partners in Africa. The first African nation to receive a loan from China was Guinea, in 1960, when the Asian giants offered a line of credit worth approximately US$25 million to the Guinean government for various development projects, including the construction of a cigarette and match factory, a tea plantation, a conference center, and a small hydroelectric station.

Today, China has emerged as Africa’s most influential bilateral lender, redefining the continent’s development trajectory through extensive financial support and infrastructure investment. Through a loan portfolio of $182.3 billion over 1,306 deals, Chinese loans have funded railways, highways, power plants, and ports.

However, many critics argue that the terms associated with the loans do more harm than good to the continent, stating that what the country loses in exchange for the loans is more significant than what it gets. It is common knowledge that in exchange for loans and infrastructural developments, China often prioritizes raw materials and market entry backed by long long-term partnerships, and stiff repayment terms to ensure continuous exploitation.

Although there is very little data about Chinese loans available in the public domain, the Chinese Loans to Africa Database, researched and compiled by the Global Development Policy Center of Boston University, provides a detailed record of several loan agreements and terms between China and African nations over the last decade. Here are the top ten African countries with the highest loans to China.

10. Cameroon – $5.9 Billion

China has issued over $5.9 billion in loans to Cameroon, primarily through the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank). These loans have been used to finance various infrastructure projects, including those related to energy, water, and telecommunications. In recent years, there's been a shift from infrastructure development to providing "emergency assistance" to help Cameroon repay existing debts.

9. Ghana – $6.1 Billion

Ghana has taken significant loans from China, primarily through the China Development Bank (CDB), with a notable agreement in 2011 for a $3 billion loan facility. This loan, in two tranches, totaled $6.1 billion and aimed to support infrastructure projects, particularly in energy and transportation. The loans are often linked to Ghana's natural resources, such as oil and cocoa, with repayment secured by these assets. 

8. Sudan - $6.3 Billion

China has provided significant loans to Sudan totaling $6.3 billion, particularly in the past, often focusing on infrastructure and energy projects. For example, China Development Bank provided a $1.5 billion loan to Sudan National Petroleum Corporation in 2012 for budget support. From 2003 to 2010, China provided nearly $6 billion in loans, largely for power and transport projects. While the amount of loans may have decreased in recent years, China remains a major economic partner for Sudan. 

7. South Africa – $6.9 Billion

The estimated Chinese loan volume to South Africa is $6.9 Billion, taken to fund key projects like the Eskom energy projects, Johannesburg smart city, and the Huawei digital infrastructure. As a BRICS partner, South Africa's relationship with China is less debt-driven and more strategic. Recent agreements cover joint ventures, technology transfer, and power sector stabilization efforts.

6. Zambia – $9.5 Billion

Zambia has faced debt distress in recent years, much of it linked to Chinese infrastructure loans to the tune of $9.5 billion. Nonetheless, Beijing continues to offer rescheduling support and project financing, especially in energy and mining corridors for key projects including; hydropower projects, roads in Copperbelt, and communication infrastructure.

5. Nigeria – $9.6 Billion

China is a significant lender to Nigeria, with many loans earmarked for infrastructure projects like roads and railways to the tune of $9.6 billion. These loans are part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at boosting global trade connectivity through infrastructure development. China Development Bank (CDB) and China Exim Bank are key players in providing these loans. 

4. Kenya – $9.6 Billion

With an estimated Chinese loan volume of $9.6 billion, Kenya's ambition to become East Africa’s logistic hub has been largely bankrolled by Chinese funding. The Mombasa–Nairobi–Naivasha SGR, although debt-heavy, remains a flagship symbol of Sino-Kenyan cooperation. Other key projects possible due to Chinese loans include the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, and Lamu Port.

3. Egypt – $9.7 Billion

China’s interest in Egypt transcends infrastructure, it is strategic. Egypt’s location on the Suez Canal, coupled with its political stability and regional influence, makes it a high-priority BRI partner. The North African giants have accessed an estimated $9.7 billion in loans from China, and are instrumental in the funding of key projects, such as the new administrative capital infrastructure, electric grid development, light rail transit, etc.

2. Ethiopia – $14.5 Billion

Ethiopia’s development model remains closely aligned with Chinese-style state-led growth backed by a loan portfolio of over $14.5 billion. The country has leaned heavily on Chinese loans to fund key logistics corridors, hydroelectric transmission, and urban development projects. Some of the key projects include the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, industrial parks, Grand Renaissance Dam transmission lines, etc.

1. Angola – $46.0 Billion

Angola continues to top the list of the nations with the highest indebtedness to China, largely due to oil-backed financing deals with Chinese banks. In exchange for crude oil, Angola receives massive infrastructure support including rebuilding its post-war infrastructure under Chinese engineering and funding expertise. The estimated $46.0 billion portfolio has been used for key projects like Railway reconstruction, energy infrastructure, Luanda-Kazungula highways, etc.