Ghana is ranked 9th among African nations with the highest outstanding loans to China, holding a debt of $6.1 billion, according to a report by Boston University’s Global Development Policy Centre.
The study, covering loan agreements from 2000 to 2023, highlights China’s deepening financial engagement with Africa, primarily through infrastructure-focused lending.
These funds have facilitated the construction of roads, railways, and power plants, but concerns over debt sustainability and economic autonomy continue to grow.
At the top of the list, Angola owes China $46 billion, followed by Ethiopia ($14.5 billion), Egypt ($9.7 billion), Kenya ($9.6 billion), and Nigeria ($9.6 billion).
Completing the top ten are Zambia ($9.5 billion), South Africa ($6.9 billion), Sudan ($6.3 billion), Ghana ($6.1 billion), and Cameroon ($5.9 billion).
While these loans have significantly shaped Africa’s infrastructure, experts remain divided on their long-term economic implications.
Some argue they foster growth, while others warn of rising repayment risks and external influence over national policies.