By Nelson Manneh
The Gambia has made a notable leap in China’s expanding footprint across Africa, ranking 8th among Sub-Saharan African countries in the China Index 2024, a global report measuring the reach of Beijing’s influence. This ranking reflects growing Chinese engagement in the West African nation’s diplomatic, media, and academic sectors.
Released on June 11, 2025, during an online briefing with Gambian journalists, the China Index is compiled by Doublethink Lab, a Taiwan-based civil society organization that tracks China’s global influence through detailed research and analysis. The 2024 report evaluates 101 countries worldwide across nine domains, including Foreign Policy, Media, and Academia.
Within Africa, The Gambia’s position at 8th places it just behind regional players like Senegal, which ranks 5th, and Kenya at 6th, while Nigeria ranks at 3rd place globally. South Africa continues to hold a top position as Africa’s foremost country in the Index.
The Gambia’s overall global rank stands at 36th, an improvement of 14 places since 2022, underscoring a rapid intensification of Chinese influence in the country. Analysts highlight The Gambia’s particularly strong political alignment with Beijing, demonstrated by its 3rd place global ranking in the Foreign Policy domain.
“The Gambia has consistently supported China’s core diplomatic positions, including the ‘One China Principle,’ and has avoided criticism on sensitive issues such as Tibet and the South China Sea,” the report noted. This diplomatic rapport has been reinforced by increased engagement between Chinese officials and Gambian local leaders, including mayors of Banjul and Kanifing Municipality.
Chinese influence is also deeply embedded in Gambian media, where the country ranks 8th globally. Leading outlets such as The Standard newspaper and QTV frequently feature China-related content, with key media professionals participating in PRC-sponsored training and exchange programs.
The academic sphere has seen a dramatic shift as well, with The Gambia leaping 62 places to 19th globally in the Academia domain. This surge is credited to expanded Chinese-funded educational partnerships, the introduction of Chinese language courses in schools, increased scholarships and exchanges, and involvement in curriculum development.
“In The Gambia, China’s influence now stretches across political, cultural, and social dimensions,” said a representative from Doublethink Lab during the briefing. “This is a strategic engagement that goes beyond infrastructure or trade deals.”
The China Index uses 99 carefully selected indicators to assess Chinese influence in areas ranging from media presence and diplomatic ties to technology and law enforcement cooperation. The detailed rankings help governments, researchers, and civil society understand the breadth of Beijing’s global reach.
As The Gambia climbs higher in the rankings, debates continue over the long-term implications of China’s growing presence. Proponents argue that the relationship offers valuable economic and educational opportunities, while critics caution about potential risks to sovereignty and transparency.
