Beijing has its sights on Francophone West Africa

If France's influence is waning, there is little doubt who is poised to step into the gap. China's presence in Francophone West Africa is booming, having previously lagged other parts of the continent. Drawn to growth rates over seven percent in countries like Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, China has displaced France as the leading exporter to most of France's former colonies.

Chinese lending to these countries increased 332 percent in 2010 - 17 compared to 2000 - 09, and contracts awarded to Chinese firms trebled in value in the same period - with Chinese contractors taking on high-profile projects like the Soubré dam in Côte d'Ivoire. Chinese companies and entrepreneurs are highly visible throughout the region.