Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reaffirmed China’s commitment to Africa, emphasising that both regions remain good friends, partners, and brothers with a shared future.
Speaking at a press conference during the 3rd Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Wang reviewed the progress of China-Africa relations, highlighting their deep-rooted camaraderie and the strong partnership that has evolved under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and African leaders.
According to Wang, China has established strategic partnerships with all African countries maintaining diplomatic ties, elevating the China-Africa community to an “all-weather” level. As Nigeria and China celebrate 25 years of collaboration under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), both nations continue to drive African development through closer economic, infrastructural, and cultural cooperation.
China-Africa cooperation has yielded remarkable results over the past 25 years. China has contributed to the construction or upgrading of nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads and over 10,000 kilometers of railways across the continent. Chinese enterprises have created over 1.1 million jobs in Africa in the last three years alone. Bilateral trade between China and Africa reached 2.1 trillion RMB (approximately $280 billion) in 2024, marking a 6.1 per cent year-on-year increase and a 24-fold rise since the inception of FOCAC.
Wang emphasised that these tangible developments have significantly improved infrastructure and living conditions in many African nations.
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China to Lagos, Yan Yuqing, China and Nigeria have deepened cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and cultural exchange, further cementing their strong bilateral ties.
According to her, infrastructure projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and international airport terminals have greatly enhanced Nigeria’s connectivity. The Lagos Blue Line Light Rail Phase I, built by Chinese enterprises, became West Africa’s first electrified light rail in January 2023, with its second phase launched in March 2024. These projects have revolutionised urban mobility and facilitated economic growth.
She added that economic and trade relations have also flourished. In late 2024, the People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria renewed a three-year currency swap agreement worth 15 billion RMB (3.28 trillion Naira).
Additionally, the China Development Bank provided a 245 million euro loan for the Kano-Kaduna Railway, further boosting Nigeria’s transport infrastructure. The Ogun Free Trade Zone, which houses over 140 Chinese enterprises, has become a hub for West African economic activities, while Nigerian agricultural exports such as peanuts, sesame, and cashews continue to gain popularity in the Chinese market.
