The Gambia has made a striking advance on the global stage, emerging as one of the top African countries most influenced by China. According to the newly released China Index 2024, the country now ranks 8th in Sub-Saharan Africa and 36th globally—marking a significant jump of 14 places since 2022.
The report, compiled by Taiwan-based civil society group Doublethink Lab, was unveiled on June 11 during an online briefing with Gambian journalists. It tracks China’s influence in 101 countries across key areas such as foreign policy, media, and academia.
The Gambia’s close diplomatic ties with Beijing played a major role in its climb. The country ranked 3rd in the world for foreign policy alignment with China, consistently backing core Chinese positions like the “One China Principle” and remaining silent on controversial issues such as Tibet and the South China Sea. Local leaders, including the mayors of Banjul and Kanifing Municipality, have also strengthened connections with Chinese diplomats.
Chinese influence is also visible in Gambian media, where the country ranks 8th globally. Outlets like The Standard and QTV regularly feature China-focused content, and many journalists have taken part in media training programs funded by the Chinese government.
In education, the change is even more dramatic. The Gambia surged 62 places to rank 19th globally in the academic domain. This rise is linked to a wave of Chinese-backed scholarships, the addition of Chinese language classes, and deeper collaboration on curriculum development.
“China’s role in The Gambia now extends far beyond construction projects or trade—it’s a multifaceted relationship that’s shaping politics, education, and culture,” said a representative from Doublethink Lab.
The China Index evaluates nearly 100 indicators to gauge influence, including diplomatic visits, media cooperation, tech partnerships, and law enforcement ties. While some hail these developments as opportunities for growth and learning, others caution that such influence could come at the cost of transparency and national sovereignty.
As The Gambia’s ties with China deepen, the country finds itself at a crossroads—balancing the promise of partnership with the need for independence in shaping its own future.
