The BRICS TimesThe world’s two biggest superpowers are turning their attention toward Africa. Both countries have different goals. While the US is deepening ties with Eritrea, China has announced zero tariffs for 53 African nations. Why are Washington and Beijing pivoting to Africa amid Middle East tensions?
The Middle East is on fire and Africa is the next big prize
The Middle East is caught in the crossfire of the Iran-Israel-US conflict. The situation remains dangerously unstable. Yet, amid this turmoil, the world’s two most powerful nations the US and China are quietly making bold moves toward Africa. Both superpowers are chasing their own strategic interests on the continent. The US is rebuilding ties with Eritrea by lifting sanctions. China is cementing deep economic partnerships across 53 African countries. Let’s break down what each country is really after.
What is America’s strategy?
The Iran-Israel-US conflict has shut down the Strait of Hormuz. This has forced Washington to rethink its maritime strategy urgently. The US is now focused on improving relations with Eritrea, an East African nation. Eritrea shares over 700 miles of coastline with the Red Sea. That makes it geographically critical for global shipping and naval access.
Iran has been threatening to shut the Strait of Hormuz a vital oil transit route. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are also threatening to block the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These two chokepoints handle a massive share of global trade. America wants a reliable partner near these waters. Strengthening ties with Eritrea gives the US a strong foothold in the region. It also builds a solid backup plan against Iranian pressure.
What is China’s strategy?
China is playing a very different game. Its focus is firmly on economic expansion. Africa has become China’s most important trading partner on the world stage. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, China-Africa trade hit a record $348 billion. That is a jump of over 17 percent in a single year.
China has sweetened the deal further. Starting May 2026, Beijing will apply zero tariffs on all products from 53 African nations. This is a massive opportunity for African exporters. Their goods will become cheaper in the Chinese market. Demand for African products in China will likely rise sharply.
A senior official from the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Melaku Geboye, recently noted that the global economic order which had run for nearly 80 years is now under severe stress. “Old rules are breaking down, and countries are rethinking relationships from scratch,” he said. “China’s open-door policy toward Africa has come at exactly the right moment.”
China is widely known for its soft power approach to global diplomacy. With its massive domestic market, Beijing wants to secure steady supplies of raw materials from Africa including oil, minerals, and cobalt. At the same time, it wants to sell African nations machinery, green technology, and solar equipment. Closer ties with Africa serve both goals perfectly.
