港媒：非洲贸易商把目光转向人民币，减少美元依赖

Core Viewpoint - African traders are increasingly shifting from the US dollar to the Chinese yuan for transactions, establishing an informal yuan payment network amid rising geopolitical tensions [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Transformation in Africa - A financial transformation is occurring across major African commercial centers, with traders in Nairobi and Lagos adopting a payment model that utilizes local currencies and the yuan [1][3]. - The informal yuan payment model in Nairobi allows traders to pay in local currency while logistics companies facilitate the conversion to yuan for Chinese sellers [1][3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Influences - Geopolitical tensions and the internationalization of the yuan are driving the emergence of informal payment systems in Nairobi, indicating a broader shift in global trade dynamics [3][5]. - Concerns over the weaponization of the US dollar are prompting countries to seek alternatives, with Kenya's finance minister discussing the potential for using yuan in new funding from Chinese lenders [3][4]. Group 3: Trade Statistics and Agreements - Nigeria is China's second-largest export destination in Africa, with projected imports from China reaching 137.4 billion yuan and exports to China at 21.7 billion yuan in 2024 [3]. - A bilateral currency swap agreement between China and Nigeria was renewed, allowing for a swap scale of 15 billion yuan, which aims to enhance financial cooperation and facilitate trade [4]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The informal trade settlement model using yuan is expected to expand beyond Kenya and Nigeria to other regions in Africa and globally, driven by economic feasibility and geopolitical foresight [5]. - The introduction of digital yuan agreements in Nigeria aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar, enhancing trade efficiency and providing protection against external disruptions [6]. Group 5: Trends in Cross-Border Trade - A report indicates that by the fourth quarter of 2024, over 68% of surveyed companies engaged in cross-border trade settlements using yuan, with more than half using yuan for foreign exchange transactions [8]. - The volatility in the US bond market and ongoing US-China trade tensions are shifting the focus towards the yuan as a potential safe-haven asset, highlighting new opportunities for its internationalization [8].