As China ramps up its global reach, it’s quietly molding Africa’s military brass, training thousands of officers each year at places like the Nanjing Army Command College. Pre-COVID, around 2,000 African military officers dove into Chinese academies annually, with an extra 500 hitting the PLA Naval Medical University.
Throw in about 2,000 police and law enforcement folks trained at People’s Armed Police schools from 2018 to 2021, and you’ve got a massive operation. China’s FOCAC dished out 100,000 scholarships and invites every three years, where professional military education snagged 4-6% of the spots. At least 50 African countries jump in regularly—impressive, isn’t it? But wait, this isn’t just numbers; it’s China playing the long game.
With 2,000 police trained at Chinese schools from 2018-2021, FOCAC’s 100,000 scholarships (4-6% military), and 50 African nations involved—China’s playing the long game.
Key spots like the Dalian Naval Academy and Nanjing’s Army Command College, with its International Military Education Exchange Center, draw crowds. Nanjing’s got history, training African independence fighters back in the day. African officers flood into most of China’s 34 officer schools and NCO programs. For instance, Isaias Afewerki trained in China in 1967, influencing his role in Eritrea’s liberation struggle.
Oh, and the PLA National Defense University? It’s running a master’s course for top Ethiopian brass since 2015. Specialized joints, like the Army Engineering University and military medical schools, crank out experts. It’s almost like China’s saying, “Hey, we’ll handle your defense education— no big deal.” Additionally, real-time threat detection capabilities could potentially enhance collaboration between military forces, as identified vulnerabilities are addressed more efficiently.
Notable alumni? They’ve climbed high. Ten defense chiefs and eight ministers from Africa graduated from Nanjing alone. Former presidents like Laurent Kabila of DRC or Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania got their start here. Current ones, such as Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, walked these halls.
These grads slide into power roles, and China? Well, it’s banking on early influence to build trust. Sneaky, right? Additionally, China has established the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Tanzania in 2022, funded by a $40-million grant from the CCP to further solidify ties with liberation parties.
The curriculum mixes military tactics, politics, logistics, and tech tracks. Officers soak up China’s worldview, PLA culture, and CCP methods—think Belt and Road pep talks. They learn counterterrorism basics, even stuff to guard investments like Kenya’s railway.
It’s not just training; it’s subtle indoctrination. China’s goals? Push their governance model, amp up soft power, and protect Belt and Road cash cows. Expanding military ties? Yeah, it’s about projecting power while pretending it’s all friendly.
Brutal honesty: Africa’s leaders are getting schooled, and China’s calling the shots.
