Key differences between China and previous colonization efforts:
1. China not limited to early 1900's methods of transportation, farming, infrastructure and building.
2. Chinese, being non-white, are "investors" and "immigrants" rather than colonists.
3. Chinese have less concern over human rights and self-determination of other nations.
4. Chinese have even more need to expand into other lands than did Europeans and Arabs.
5. China's engineered shortage of females further impels expansion and generation of mixed race people with loyalty to China.
Similarity:
Only one (possible): Colonization may be checked by defeat or reduction of power after a world war (such as many European nations).
Africa always wins.
China will fail. None of those points will let them overcome Africa.
Read the words of an African;
https://www.kimdutoit.com/2017/05/05/let-africa-sink/
Bingo! China has more people than USA+Canada+Europe combined.
Mostly agree.
That said, have you seen the documentary, “Empire Of Dust”?
Entertaining and I liked the protagonists, would enjoy an after-action report.
Well worth the time! 1Hr 17 Min.
IMO, the process may be the same as working in a big city school system; Sisyphus.
I kind of apathetic about the whole thing. If China can somehow make Africa productive, more power to them. Then Africa will be less of a drain on the rest of the world.