A survey conducted every two years shows that more and more African youths believe that China is one of the foreign powers with the most positive influence in Africa, leading to a further increase in their recognition of China.
According to Bloomberg, a latest survey released by the Icowitz Family Foundation on July 29 shows that 95% of African youth surveyed believe that China's influence on the African continent is positive, while the proportion of those who consider the influence of the United States to be positive and beneficial is 85%.
The report indicates that the release of this survey comes against a backdrop of repeated adjustments to tariff policies by President Trump’s administration, and ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East that are driving global supply chain restructuring. Africa has abundant mineral resources, which is why it is increasingly attracting attention from the United States, China, and other countries.
The Iczkovitz Family Foundation stated in its report that since 2024, China and India have expanded their influence in Africa. In particular, China is increasingly seen as a more popular partner than the United States, and this perception is partly influenced by the re-election of the Trump administration.
Among the 16 African countries surveyed, South Africa’s youth have the lowest evaluations of the United States. South Africa has had strained relations with the Trump administration over the past two years, and only 58% of South African respondents believe that the United States has a positive impact on their country.
Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of South Africans surveyed believe that their country's leaders should adopt a more assertive stance against Trump in international affairs. Across the African continent as a whole, approximately 50% of respondents believe that the United States will disregard international law to acquire natural resources.
This survey was conducted in several countries including Chad, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The respondents were 4,901 African youth aged between 18 and 24 years old, with an equal number of men and women.
