China-Africa relations robust, by Yan Yuqing, Consul General

By Henry Umahi

Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, has reiterated that Africa and China have always enjoyed robust relationship even as their future remains intertwined.

She said: “On March 7, 2025, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Foreign Minister Wang Yi warmly reviewed the development of China-Africa relations at the press conference of the 3rd Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, emphasizing that China and Africa are always good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared future. Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. China has established strategic partnership with all African countries having diplomatic ties with it.

“The China-Africa community with a shared future has been elevated to an ‘all-weather’ level. As pivotal partners on the African continent, China and Nigeria have consistently demonstrated profound camaraderie through practical actions, embodying the spirit of ‘mutual trust and solidarity.’ Standing at the historic milestone of the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Nigeria are injecting robust momentum into bilateral relations and Africa’s development through closer collaboration.”

She said fruitful China-Africa cooperation data Illustrates a win-win journey. According to her, “over the past 25 years, China-Africa cooperation has earned widespread acclaim for its ‘tangible and substantive’ outcomes. China has helped Africa build or upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, and more than 10,000 kilometers of railways. In the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises created more than 1.1 million new jobs in Africa.

“According to China Customs statistics, bilateral trade between China and Africa reached 2.1 trillion RMB (approximately 280 billion USD) in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 6.1% and a 24-fold surge since FOCACs inception, with an average annual growth rate of 14.2%. China has remained Africas largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Behind these figures lies the tangible improvement of infrastructure and livelihoods in African nations.

“As Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted, ‘to African brothers and sisters, China-Africa cooperation is visible, tangible and truly beneficial.’ This people-centered development philosophy has laid a solid foundation for deepening China-Nigeria relations.”

She described China-Nigeria synergy as flourishing cooperation across sectors. She said: “As a cornerstone of China-Africa collaboration, China and Nigeria have reaped remarkable achievements in infrastructure, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Infrastructure connectivity practical cooperation has been the engine of China-Nigeria relations. Mega-projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and four international airport terminals have not only transformed daily life for Nigerians but also stand as testaments to the two countries pioneering role in China-Africa cooperation.

“In January 2023, the Lagos Blue Line Light Rail Phase I, constructed by Chinese enterprises, commenced operations as West Africas first electrified light rail. By March 2024, the second light rail project in Lagos was launched, revolutionizing urban mobility for the city’s residents.”

Talking about trade and economic upgrading, she disclosed: “At the end of 2024, the Peoples Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria renewed a three-year bilateral currency swap agreement worth 15 billion RMB/3.28 trillion Naira (extendable by mutual consent). The China Development Bank disbursed its first loan of 245 million euros for the Kano-Kaduna Railway. The Ogun Free Trade Zone has attracted over 140 Chinese enterprises, setting a benchmark for West African economic zones. Agricultural trade has also surged, with Nigerian peanuts, sesame, cashews, and other specialties gaining popularity in the Chinese market.”

She added that cultural bonds are being strengthened as well. Take this from her: “Friendship between nations thrives on people-to-people ties. Chinese and Nigerian communities now jointly celebrate festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and national anniversaries. Performances by Nigerian artists from the Huaxing Arts Troupefeaturing lion dances, kung fu, waist drumming, and traditional Yoruba-Igbo-Hausa dancesvividly showcase cultural integration, reinforcing the social foundation for a shared China-Nigeria and China-Africa future.”

On building a shared future, she said China-Nigeria cooperation has embarked on a new chapter.

“Africa is a fertile land of hope of the 21st century. There will be no global modernization without African modernization.” Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed: ‘This years marks the beginning of implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. China stands ready to deliver on the ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization, including supporting Africa in accelerating its industrialization and agricultural modernization, implementing zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, fostering new growth drivers like digital, green and AI industries, promoting 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, enhancing governance experience sharing and raising the representation and voice of Africa in international affairs.’

‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ Quoting this African proverb, President Xi Jinping underscored the power of unity, guiding both sides to stride confidently toward modernization. Looking ahead, as members of a community with a shared future, China and Nigeria will continue advancing equality and mutual benefit, deepening cooperation in industrial and agricultural modernization, digital innovation, AI, and green development. Leveraging FOCAC as a platform and prioritizing people-centered progress, the two states will write a new chapter of friendship in the modern era. With joint efforts, China-Nigeria relations will reach greater heights, energizing African modernization and contributing meaningfully to a community with a shared future for mankind.”