Africa has long found itself caught between its biggest economic partner, China, and the self-governed Asian island of Taiwan when it comes to matters of diplomacy.

The relationship between Taiwan and Africa is complex. Many political analysts argue that China’s expanding influence across the continent plays a significant role in shaping this dynamic.

Currently, Taiwan maintains formal diplomatic ties with only one African country: the Kingdom of Eswatini. Their relationship spans over 50 years and is built on mutual respect, friendship, and loyalty, with both nations engaging as equal partners.

At one point, Taiwan enjoyed diplomatic recognition from around 30 African countries. However, over time, many of these nations have shifted allegiance to Beijing, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, including Taiwan. Among them are Liberia, Senegal, Chad, Malawi, Gambia, and Burkina Faso.

Most recently, Somalia announced that it would no longer accept Taiwanese passports. The Federal Government of Somalia cited adherence to the “One China Policy” and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 as the basis for the decision.

“Effective April 30, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority has issued a NOTAM instructing all airline operators not to accept passports issued by Taiwan authorities or other travel documents, whether for arrival or transit through Somalia,” read the official notice.

Taipei views this move as yet another sign of China’s growing diplomatic and political clout in the region. Despite Somalia’s stance, Taiwan continues to build ties with Somaliland — a self-declared independent region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 and maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan.

However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since issued a warning to its citizens, advising against travel to both Somalia and Somaliland due to increasing restrictions and diplomatic uncertainty.

These developments raise serious questions about the status and perceived value of the Taiwanese passport across Africa. Has its influence truly diminished, or is this merely a temporary geopolitical phase?

In terms of trade, Taiwanese citizens may suffer setbacks as they lose access to key African markets. On the other hand, countries like Somalia risk losing potential benefits from tourism and private-sector investments tied to Taiwan.