Chinese Defence Conglomerate Norinco Expands in West Africa, Challenging French and Russian Arms Suppliers
Chinese state-owned defence conglomerate Norinco is expanding its military procurement operations in West Africa with the opening of a sales office in Dakar, Senegal. This move is seen as a direct challenge to French and Russian arms suppliers in the region. Norinco aims to increase its market reach in Africa and leverage its existing market presence in countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, which have recently experienced military coups.
By establishing operations in Senegal and other West African countries, Norinco intends to solidify its position as a leading military contractor in the region. The company plans to set up centres for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of vehicles and military equipment, further enhancing its foothold on the continent. Notably, Norinco already has regional offices in Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa.
The opening of the Dakar sales office follows Norinco’s recent supply of VN2 armoured infantry fighting vehicles and reconnaissance vehicles to Senegal. The Chinese defence conglomerate is also reportedly in discussions with the Senegalese government regarding the supply of light weaponry and ammunition for the country’s environment ministry.
Norinco’s expansion in West Africa comes at a time when both Russia and France face challenges in maintaining their military influence in the region. Russian sanctions and the war in Ukraine have significantly reduced Moscow’s ability to supply African countries, creating an opening for Chinese arms manufacturers. France, on the other hand, has lost clout due to the military junta in Mali and Burkina Faso and the subsequent arrival of Russian-linked Wagner Group mercenaries.
Analysts suggest that China’s hesitant approach to challenging French military influence in West Africa has gradually changed. Norinco’s move to establish a sales office in Dakar is part of China’s broader efforts to build and expand military and security ties on the continent. It aims to position China as a pre-eminent military partner in the region and capitalise on the market opportunities created by the geopolitical shifts in military suppliers.
Chinese arms manufacturers, led by Norinco, seek to increase their market share in Africa significantly. They are supplying various military products to countries in West Africa, including battleships, offshore patrol vessels, man-portable air-defence systems, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, armoured vehicles, battle tanks, combat aircraft, large artillery, and transport aircraft.
China’s increasing arms deals in Africa often result in long-term supply and training arrangements, leading to enhanced security cooperation between African militaries and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). As a result, China is not only increasing the quantity but also the sophistication of weapons it sells to African countries.
Norinco’s new sales office in Dakar provides a strategic foothold for Chinese arms dealers in Africa. It offers a stable environment to sell weaponry, equipment, and vehicles to both stable regional governments and those facing conflict or insurgency. The deals also facilitate training, parts supply, and servicing, deepening China’s influence in West Africa and beyond.
Apart from its arms business, Norinco is also involved in contracting in various African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mining industry. Additionally, the company recently won a lucrative contract worth $1.2 billion for the construction of a crude oil pipeline in South Sudan.
The establishment of a sales office in Dakar marks another significant step for Norinco in expanding its presence and influence in the African arms market. With Russia’s diminished capacity and France facing challenges, the Chinese defence conglomerate is well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving dynamics and become a dominant player in West Africa’s arms industry.
