The influx of Chinese nationals is noticeable almost everywhere on the African continent to the extent that they are - a little too hastily - described as new "invaders". It is reported that 130,000 Chinese nationals are living in Africa. These recent arrivals to West Africa need to be explained. After recalling developments in Sino-African relations, this paper traces the journey of Chinese entrepreneurs in Senegal and Cape Verde in order to assess how they ended up settling in Dakar and Praia. It then discusses the responses to their arrival by local business people and consumers.