Abstract: The author of the article analyzes the importance of African States for China in implementation of  the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. The initiative to recreate the Great Silk Road is an ambitious project that can increase the influence of China on the ongoing international processes. Africa is an integral part of the initiative proposed by the Chinese side. The object of the study is the "One Belt, One Road" initiative as a means of strengthening a partnership between China and the States of Africa. Subject: the main stages of the development of China-Africa cooperation; promising areas of cooperation, the main objectives of interaction; the factors that hamper dialogue on the said initiative.  The methodological basis of the study is a principle of historicism which made it possible to study the importance of revival of the Great Silk Road for China. Bearing in mind that the subject of the study is a modern stage, the author used a problem-historical analysis. The author believes that the relevance of the topic is associated with an increasing influence of the People's Republic of China on international relations, more active participation in the current agenda. As for Africa, the continent has the largest number of developing countries, most of the States are developing a strategic partnership with China. The novelty of the study is to consider new opportunities for China to strengthen its positions in oil-producing countries in Africa due to the gradual withdrawal of the US from the energy sector in Africa. According to the author, the above-mentioned facts require a more detailed study. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that China will continue to invest in African countries because of the mutual interest in implementation of the initiative.