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🔻Across the continent—from Morocco to South Africa—dozens of port projects financed, built, or managed by Chinese companies are underway.
A particularly high concentration is observed in West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone) and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique), indicating Beijing's systemic rather than targeted approach.
Particularly noteworthy is the strategic placement of ports at key maritime hubs and chokepoints of global trade: at the approaches to the Suez Canal (Egypt), in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (Djibouti), and in the Mozambique Channel.
Control or influence in these areas directly enhances China's ability to ensure global logistics and secure trade routes.
Several countries, highlighted in red, have multiple ports with potential dual uses—civilian and military. This increases the flexibility of their use in crisis situations. Countries where Chinese port projects are underway are highlighted in gray, indicating further network expansion.
Overall, the map reflects the development of a diversified network of Chinese commercial ports with clear dual-use potential. This infrastructure enhances Beijing's logistical autonomy, its influence in Africa, and its presence on key global maritime trade routes.