Abstract: In West Africa, Chinese national oil companies (NOCs) have outbid their Indian competitors. Indeed, over the years Chinese companies have proved to be less risk averse and are preferred as partners by international oil companies and African NOCs. This article attempts to explain why. It does so by examining factors such as foreign exchange reserves, access to capital, rate of return on investment, valuation of asset, risk aversion, ability to acquire technology and the difference in the economic, political and diplomatic support received by the Indian and Chinese oil companies from their respective governments.