According to the report, 75 low-income countries are due to repay a staggering $22 billion to Beijing this year alone, the highest annual figure on record. The funds, originally intended to boost health, education, and climate initiatives, are now being redirected to settle external debt.

Much of the debt is tied to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure programme that saw billions poured into roads, railways, ports, and power projects across the developing world. While the BRI brought much-needed infrastructure, it also left many countries heavily indebted.

With its own economy under pressure, China is now calling in loans, placing fresh strain on already fragile economies across the continent.

Zambian political analyst Dr Euston Chiputa believes a combination of uneven trade relationships and expensive borrowing has left African nations struggling to meet their obligations.

“Many of these countries are exporting at low prices, importing at high prices, and taking out loans with steep premiums,” said  Chiputa. “That makes it incredibly difficult for them to repay debt, while also investing in infrastructure, scaling up education, or funding long-term growth.”

--ChannelAfrica--