An academic study indicates that China is steadily strengthening its technological and economic footprint in the small Portuguese-speaking nations of West Africa, specifically Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The report, authored by researchers from Georgetown University and the think tank The Digital Economist, highlights that these states—historically characterized by economic and political fragility—increasingly view their partnership with China as a viable alternative to traditional Western ties.
Authors William Vogt, Guilan Massoud-Moghaddam, and Robert Miles Chong argue that these small nations tell a globally significant story about how international development is pursued in emerging markets.
In statements to Lusa, Vogt emphasized that China is leveraging its shared cultural connection with Macau to build closer relationships with Lusophone countries. He also noted Beijing’s historical support for revolutionary movements in these nations during their early years of independence as a foundational element of current diplomacy.
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According to the study, current engagement aligns with Beijing’s foreign direct investment priorities, particularly the promotion of advanced technological innovations.
There is a notable convergence in the dissemination of surveillance technology and the infrastructure necessary for its implementation.
Vogt observed that while these African nations are motivated to use such programs to enhance security, China seeks to embed its cutting-edge tech in broader global markets, effectively solidifying market penetration and economic ties.
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The research details specific investments across the three nations:
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Guinea-Bissau: Beijing has focused on agriculture, energy, and telecommunications, including agreements with Huawei and support for the cashew industry. The study notes that after centuries of colonial underdevelopment and state socialism, the country joined the “Belt and Road Initiative” in 2021 to better leverage its natural resources.
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Cape Verde: Chinese investment is concentrated in tourism and information technology. Projects like the installation of submarine fiber-optic cables by Huawei are aimed at transforming the archipelago into a regional digital hub. For an economy with weak financial intermediation, this foreign investment has served as a vital “lifeline.”
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São Tomé and Príncipe: Since cutting ties with Taiwan in 2016, the archipelago has seen Chinese support in agriculture and port development. Described in the report as the “Qatar of the Gulf of Guinea” due to its strategic position, the country is benefiting from sustainable ICT projects and agronomic research.
Vogt concludes that China’s global positioning reveals a keen understanding of the development paths faced by these countries. They are often drawn to Beijing’s approach as a non-Western power that does not carry the historical weight of Western imperialist policies, offering instead plausible socioeconomic benefits through digital infrastructure and lucrative tourism investment.
