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According to a recent Gallup survey, China has overtaken the United States as the most influential global power in Africa. 

The survey, which polled individuals in 36 African countries, highlighted a decline in the US’s median approval ratings, dropping from 59% in 2022 to 56% in 2023. Conversely, China’s approval ratings increased from 52% to 58% over the same period.

Despite the broader polling of global superpowers, including Russia and Germany, the United States was the only nation not to experience an increase in approval. Historically, the US reached its peak approval in 2009 with an 85% rating, but this figure plummeted to 51% by 2017. On the other hand, China, having peaked at 72% approval in 2011, saw a significant rebound in popularity, with notable increases in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Gallup attributes China’s surge in approval to its escalating investments across the continent, positioning it as Africa’s largest trading partner. Although the US also saw approval gains in Ghana and Ivory Coast, it faced steep declines in nations like GamUSa, Uganda, and Kenya.

Other findings:
The survey further reports that Germany holds a 54% approval rating, while Russia stands at 42%, recovering slightly from a low of 34% following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.