Taiwan’s relations with Africa have a longer, more complex history than today’s diplomatic map suggests. From formal ties after 1949 to continuing trade, investment and representative-office links after 1971, Taiwan has maintained connections across the continent despite its shrinking number of diplomatic partners. These relationships evolved alongside the PRC’s expanding economic and political presence, and Beijing’s efforts to make adherence to the One China principle a condition of relations with its partners. Recognising this complexity, the International Master’s Programme in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS) at National Chengchi University invited eight distinguished Nigerian scholars to engage in a meaningful discussion on Taiwan-Africa relations in lieu of the China Factor.
This special issue explores the challenges and possibilities shaping Taiwan-Africa connections, and also records the thoughts of the IMAS Taiwan-Nigeria workshop, which took place on October 21-22, 2026. Of the three contributors to the special issue, Dr Sabella O. Abidde participated in the workshop. The special issue opens with Daouda Cissé’s contribution, which examines South Africa, where official recognition of Beijing coexists with ongoing economic and institutional ties to Taipei. His article considers how China’s political and economic influence, domestic party competition, and disputes over Taiwan’s representative presence can narrow the space available for engagement with Taiwan. The second article by Sabella O. Abidde takes a broader historical and normative view, tracing Taiwan’s changing position in Africa and arguing that African governments and societies should reconsider the limits imposed on their engagement with Taipei.
Together, these articles highlight that Taiwan-Africa relations are about more than diplomatic recognition. The special issue invites readers to look at Africa beyond a simple contest between Beijing and Taipei and to consider how African actors assess their own interests, as well as the scope for Taiwan to sustain meaningful partnerships across the continent.
Taiwan-South Africa relations: how the ‘One China’ principle strengthens Beijing’s influence Written by Dr Daouda Cissé