Africa’s Digital Economy Development and China’s Participation

The article is devoted to the development of digital technologies in Africa and the role played by China, the world leader in the field of digital technologies, in this process. In the 21st century, a number of African countries have made significant progress in the field of digital technologies. Information and communication technologies have developed noticeably, and the penetration of the Internet into the continent has accelerated. The demand for digital technologies on the continent has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. China is making a serious contribution to the development of the digital technologies in African countries. The article contains an analysis of the Chinese digital diplomacy current state and practice in African Internet. China has brought a model of the digital economy, including e-commerce, online payments, logistic management and digital entrepreneurship training to Africa. The new technologies, which China provides to Africa, are also aimed at improving the quality of life for the Africans, the building of smart cities, the spread of information and communication technologies, providing TV and mobile internet access to rural areas. The participation of 48 African countries in Chinese initiative “One belt – one road†may facilitate the access to new technologies for Africa.