The China in Africa Podcast How China Changed Its Image in the African News Media
10 snips
Nov 8, 2025 Aggrey Mutambo, the Africa editor at the Daily Nation and seasoned journalist, discusses the evolution of China’s portrayal in African media. He highlights how attitudes have shifted from negative to more favorable, thanks to China’s outreach strategies, including journalist junkets and content sharing. Mutambo explores the impact of Western narratives and the growing frustration with them, as well as how returning scholars influence reporting. He delves into the allure of China's rapid infrastructural development and the complexities of balancing progress with environmental concerns.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Stale China–Africa Narratives Persist
- Many conference discussions about China–Africa remain stuck on the same themes from a decade ago.
- Eric Olander criticizes repeated inaccuracies like claiming China has 40% of Africa's debt when it's about 8%.
Better Access, New Framing Challenges
- China–Africa reporting improved access to Chinese experts and more African alumni return from China.
- Aggrey Mutambo notes these contacts expanded sources but introduced new framing biases.
A 15-Day China Junket Experience
- Aggrey described a 15-day junket that included Beijing, Chengdu and Xinjiang organized by Chinese ministries.
- The trip mixed AI seminars, cultural visits and politically framed tours about Xinjiang's security policies.