No. 21 | 09.07.2021
afw issue 21 cover image

Transsion smartphones have fast become the most popular in Africa [Felix Wong/South China Morning Post]


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Geopolitics

China proposes cooperation with Germany and France for Africa’s development, despite geopolitical tensions provoked by G7

President Xi invites Chancellor Merkel and President Macron to the Chinese-African partnership launched in May, prioritizing financing for infrastructure, education, and vaccine production on the continent; French and German interest to access the Chinese market creates contradictions in the G7

Economy

Chinese Cainiao launches new air freight route to Nigeria, which imported US $16.78 billion from China in 2020

Africa’s most populous country (200 million) is the top importer of Chinese goods, prompting Alibaba’s logistics arm to launch a new Hong Kong-Lagos route, shortening freight times (60-20 days); Cainiao’s Africa shipments increased by 163% year-on-year (May 2021)

People’s Life and Culture

Boomplay expands music streaming to 47 African countries, as sub-Saharan Africa expects 475 million mobile internet users (2025)

Launched by Transsion, Chinese app partners with Universal Music Group, aiming to become the largest African music streaming service, investing (US $1 million) in local artists; Transsion’s Tecno holds 48.2% share of Africa’s smartphone market (Q4 2020)