Developing Story
US–China Information Competition in Africa (2026)
The US and China are engaged in competing information campaigns targeting African audiences, with US military-affiliated publications attacking Chinese fishing practices and Chinese media countering with anti-US narratives. The competition reflects broader strategic rivalry for influence over Africa's growing population and has implications for investors, media law, and political risk assessment across the continent.
Importance: 70%Confidence: 78%Mentions: 1Updated: April 25, 2026
## US–China Information Competition in Africa (2026)
### Overview
The United States and China are conducting competing information campaigns targeting African audiences, with both powers publishing media content designed to undermine the other's reputation on the continent (SCMP, April 2026). The competition reflects broader strategic rivalry for influence over Africa's growing and media-engaged population.
### Key Documented Activities
- On March 31, Africa Defence Forum magazine—a publication of the US Army's Africa Command—ran an article titled "China's floating fish factories plunder Guinea Bissau's resources," detailing alleged illegal Chinese fishing operations in West Africa (SCMP, April 2026)
- Chinese state and affiliated media have reportedly responded with counter-narratives targeting US credibility in Africa (SCMP, April 2026)
- Both sides are described as pitching "articles designed to show each other in an unflattering light" to Africa's "young and media-savvy demographic" (SCMP, April 2026)
### Strategic Context
- Africa represents the world's fastest-growing population and a major future consumer and resource market
- China has significant infrastructure, trade, and debt relationships across the continent through Belt and Road
- The US has military presence through AFRICOM and competes for diplomatic alignment, particularly on UN votes
- The Iran war and associated US-China tensions have reportedly intensified the information competition
### Implications
- Media law and platform regulation: The use of military-affiliated publications as information warfare tools raises questions about the legal boundaries of state-sponsored media
- Investment risk: African governments' perceptions of US and Chinese credibility affect deal flow, contract awards, and political risk for investors in both Chinese and Western firms operating on the continent
- Reputational and compliance risk: Companies operating in sectors—such as fishing, mining, or infrastructure—that feature in either side's narratives face reputational exposure
### Status
The information competition is described as ongoing and intensifying (SCMP, April 2026). No formal bilateral mechanisms exist to regulate it.