Chinese FDI into Africa has been rising steadily over the past few years, and is set to jump 70% by 2015.

A statement from South Africa’s Standard Bank, the largest bank in  Africa, said that investment from China into South Africa is likely to  hit $50bn by 2015, up 70% from 2009.

Advertisement

According to greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets, Chinese companies have focused the majority of their African ventures on South Africa. Figures show they have gradually increased the number of projects into the country from zero in 2003, to five in 2010.

However, fDi Markets shows that China is a long way from being the largest investor in South Africa in terms of projects, coming 11th behind countries such as the US, the UK and Germany.

In 2010, US companies had 24 projects open in South Africa and was the top investor into the country. The UK was next with 15 investments.

Recent examples of Chinese companies investing in South Africa include Great Wall Motors, which is to build a manufacturing plant in the country set to be completed by 2013. The company's product portfolio includes passenger cars, special utility vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles and pick-ups.

China Telecom, the main telecommunications provider in China and owner of the world's largest fixed-line communications network, plans to set up a representative office in South Africa this year as part of its plans to expand throughout Africa.

Find out more about