Chinese will focus on green energy in North Africa

Significance China is embarking on a fresh investment drive in North Africa, including in construction, mining, renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) projects. Some projects are geared to using North African countries as an export base to Europe and the United States, taking advantage of free trade agreements to bypass tariff barriers. Impacts Egypt’s admission to the BRICS in 2023 could open the way for new sources of finance for Chinese investment. China sees Algeria as a potential gateway for trade by road and rail with West Africa; this will present formidable logistical challenges. Egypt’s admission to and Algeria’s failure to join the BRICS group in 2023 will make little difference to Chinese investment decisions.