Africa has been central to China’s foreign policy and in the year 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established to facilitate multilateral cooperation between China and African countries.

In this interview with Nkiruka Nnorom, China’s Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, spoke on China’s cooperation with African countries, including Nigeria under the FOCAC framework, noting that China has made significant commitment to Nigeria in infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, healthcare, digital economy and security cooperation. Excerpts:

At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jiping made 10 robust partnership commitments to Africa. How is China working with African countries, including Nigeria, to implement the FOCAC projects and what progress has been made so far?  

At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China proposed the “Ten Partnership Actions”, focusing on infrastructure, digital economy, agricultural modernization, healthcare, and other fields to deepen cooperation with African countries. China advances this collaboration through a combination of multilateral mechanisms and concrete projects.

In terms of cooperation mechanisms, China has strengthened strategic alignment by signing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreements with 52 African countries and the African Union (AU), while establishing specialized mechanisms such as tax treaties and climate change cooperation. For example, the central banks of China and Nigeria renewed a 15-billion Yuan local currency swap agreement to facilitate trade.

On infrastructure connectivity, Chinese companies have participated in the construction of over 100,000 kilometers of highways across Africa. Landmark projects such as Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Lagos Light Rail Red and Blue Lines, and the upcoming Green Line have significantly enhanced regional mobility and logistics efficiency.

In terms of agriculture and poverty alleviation, China will establish 100,000 mu (approx. 6,667 hectares) of agricultural demonstration zones in Africa, promoting technologies like water-saving drought-resistant rice and hybrid rice. The export of Nigerian agricultural products such as peanuts and sesame to China has increased, benefiting local farmers.

In the areas of health cooperation, China has dispatched 2,000 medical personnel to Africa and implemented anti-malaria programmes. Artemisinin-based drugs, certified by the WHO, have helped reduce malaria incidence in Africa.

Digital Economy and Industrialization: China and Africa will jointly establish digital technology cooperation centers and advance 20 digital demonstration projects. Industrial parks like Nigeria’s Lekki Free Trade Zone and Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone are boosting Africa’s industrialization.

Additionally, people-to-people exchanges continue to deepen, with platforms such as Confucius Institutes, Chinese language classes, and Luban Workshops fostering mutual cultural appreciation. By the end of 2024, China’s cumulative direct investment in Africa exceeded $47 billion, and 1,000 “small yet impactful” livelihood projects under the Ten Partnership Actions are set to be implemented. These collaborations embody the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, providing sustained momentum for Africa’s modernization.

How does FOCAC aim to deepen economic cooperation between China and Africa, and what opportunities exist for Nigeria businesses to engage with Chinese companies? 

 The “Ten Partnership Actions” unveiled at the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit comprehensively address nearly all aspects of China-Africa cooperation in advancing modernization, spanning: civilizational exchange, trade prosperity, industrial chain collaboration, infrastructure connectivity, development cooperation, health initiatives, agricultural revitalization, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and security cooperation. Over the next three years, the Chinese government has committed to providing 360 billion RMB in financial support, including: 210 billion yuan in credit facilities, 80 billion yuan in various forms of assistance, facilitating Chinese enterprise investment in Africa totaling no less than 70 billion yuan.

I wish to emphasize that China is the world’s largest manufacturing powerhouse, accounting for approximately 30 percent of global manufacturing value-added output, maintaining its top global position for 14 consecutive years. Simultaneously, China is steadfastly advancing high-quality domestic development and pursuing higher-standard opening-up. Through technological revolution and breakthrough innovations, we have achieved world-leading advancements in new energy vehicles, photovoltaic products, 5G equipment, shipbuilding and other sectors. China is transforming from a major manufacturing country into a manufacturing powerhouse, progressively upgrading from being the “world’s factory” to a “global hub for intelligent manufacturing.”

China and Nigeria are poised to explore broader cooperation horizons across emerging sectors and innovative industries in the coming years.

Part of the outcome of the 2024 FOCAC was a tariff free initiative that allows African countries to export certain products to China. How effective has this been, and how many African countries have benefited from it? 

 To further boost China-Africa trade, China has taken the initiative to unilaterally expand market access by granting zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines to all least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African nations. This makes China the first major developing country and leading global economy to implement such a measure, transforming China’s vast market into Africa’s significant opportunity.

We are expanding market access for African agricultural products, and deepening cooperation in e-commerce and other fields. China stands ready to negotiate and sign a framework agreement on comprehensive development and economic partnership with African countries, providing long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantees for China-Africa trade and investment.

At this new historical juncture, China will continue upholding the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and the principle of pursuing greater good and shared interests. We will work hand in hand with our African partners in FOCAC to implement the summit outcomes and deliver greater benefits to our peoples.

China-Nigeria relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries should make full use of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee platform to continuously leverage the complementary nature of bilateral ties, effectively align their respective strengths, and further tap into cooperation potential in emerging fields such as clean energy, green minerals, and finance-all to better benefit both nations.

What initiatives or projects is China supporting in Nigeria to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience? 

China’s support programmes in Nigeria span multiple domains including low-carbon demonstration zone development, infrastructure construction, green technology, and agriculture-all designed to comprehensively enhance Nigeria’s environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

In November last year, China and Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperative development of the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone. This collaboration aims to support Nigeria’s climate change response capabilities through joint formulation of development plans for the demonstration zone, along with conducting related exchange seminars and capacity-building activities.

China is also promoting green technology and renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. With its leading position in photovoltaic systems, wind power, and electric vehicles, China is well-positioned to provide robust technical support for Nigeria’s green transition.

Agricultural cooperation between China and Africa holds particular significance. Through technical assistance and innovation, China has helped African nations enhance agricultural productivity and advance modernization efforts, thereby strengthening climate resilience in the agricultural sector.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure that the FOCAC initiatives have a positive impact in local communities in Nigeria, especially in the areas of job creation, skills transfer and poverty reduction? 

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation serving as a crucial platform for dialogue and consultation between China and African nations, employs multiple mechanisms to ensure its initiatives generate positive impacts in Nigeria and across the continent.

Regarding employment creation, FOCAC has facilitated substantial Chinese investment in African infrastructure development, industrial modernization, and agricultural advancement. These projects not only directly generate numerous job opportunities but also stimulate growth across related industrial chains, creating broader employment prospects for local communities.

  In terms of skills transfer, FOCAC encourages Chinese enterprises to establish manufacturing facilities and R&D centers in Africa. Through technical training programmes, internships, and hands-on practice, these initiatives effectively transfer China’s advanced technologies and management expertise to African workers, significantly enhancing their professional competencies and overall skill sets.

  On poverty alleviation, FOCAC leverages China’s successful experience in poverty eradication by sharing best practices, assisting in poverty reduction planning, and implementing targeted programmes. This comprehensive approach helps African nations improve livelihoods and make concrete progress in combating poverty.

As FOCAC continues to evolve, what new areas of cooperation does China see as priority for its engagement with Africa, and how will Nigeria benefit from this development? 

The new priority areas for cooperation include: infrastructure development, agriculture and food security, scientific innovation and digital economy, healthcare and public health as well as engagement in education and human resources development.

 As one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria stands to gain comprehensive development opportunities across multiple dimensions such as infrastructure upgrades: Increased infrastructure investments will modernize Nigeria’s transportation, energy, and telecommunications networks, boosting economic development.

Regarding economic growth, Nigerian businesses will access expanded market opportunities through China-Africa cooperation projects, driving economic expansion.

  In terms of technology transfer and skills development, Nigeria will benefit from Chinese technology sharing and professional training programs, elevating domestic technological capabilities and workforce competencies.

  In the area of public health advancement, China’s investments in healthcare infrastructure will enhance Nigeria’s medical service capacity and emergency response preparedness, while educational cooperation programs will develop local talent, create job opportunities, and contribute to social stability.