Potential Chinese Influence on African IT Infrastructure

Censys discovered over 46,000 internet-exposed devices from Chinese manufacturers (Hikvision, Huawei, ZTE, Dahua, Xiongmai) across Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, and Zambia—South Africa and Hikvision account for the largest share—and noted many devices expose RTSP and are hosted on local African ASNs; Mauritius in particular has roughly 25% of hosts on Chinese networks. The report assesses these deployments as potentially enabling expanded digital surveillance through “safe city” projects, highlights ties between vendors and regional telecoms (including state-owned Zamtel), and recommends ongoing situational awareness and monitoring of Chinese-produced devices and announced surveillance partnerships.