The last time the summit was held three years ago, China's President Xi Jinping pledged more than 60 billion US dollars in loans and assistance to Africa.
This time leaders and their ministers are anticipating another windfall. Residents of some African countries have complained about the practice of using Chinese labour for building projects, instead of locals, and what are perceived to be special deals for Chinese companies.
The concerns are likely to grow as countries in other parts of the world, especially southeast Asia, begin to question whether Chinese aid comes at too high a price.
Every African country is represented at the business forum apart from eSwatini ((formerly Swaziland)), self-ruled Taiwan's last ally on the continent, which has so-far rejected China's requests to abandon Taiwan and recognise China.
