By Nkiruka Nnorom

In a significant milestone for China-Africa relations, the trade volume between the two regions has hit a record high, reaching $348 billion as at the end of December 2025.
This represents a 17.7 percent year-on-year growth compared to the previous year.

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Yan Yuqing, made the revelation at the Lagos Forum to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria jointly organised by the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, the West Africa & Nigerian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, and the Nigeria-China Friendship Association.

She noted that the remarkable growth was a testament to the resilience and vitality of China-Africa practical cooperation, despite the prevailing trade protectionism and geopolitical conflicts around the globe.
Yuqing further attributed the rising trade volume to the growing China-Africa people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, particularly in the areas of talent enhancement, youth exchanges, and cultural sharing.

She said: “It is gratifying to see that people of China and Africa are growing ever closer. China-Africa cooperation is expanding in scope, and the friendship between China and Africa is deepening. 

“Facts have shown that people-to-people exchanges form the most solid foundation of China-Africa friendship, while mutual learning among civilizations serves as the strongest driving force for China-Africa cooperation.
“The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with major historical shifts taking place in the international landscape.

“The Global South, represented by China and Africa, is developing and rising irresistibly. According to statistics recently released by the General Customs of China, the China-Africa trade volume hit a record high in 2025, reaching USD 348 billion with a year-on-year growth of 17.7%.

“Against the background of prevailing trade protectionism and constant geopolitical conflicts around the globe, the China-Africa economic and trade cooperation has risen against the trend and created a remarkable growth miracle. It is more than a report, demonstrating resilience and vitality of China-Africa practical cooperation.”

She emphasized the need for China and Africa to strengthen solidarity and mutual support in the face of a turbulent world.
“In the face of a turbulent world, China and Africa more than ever need to uphold fairness and justice, strengthen solidarity and mutual support, and enhance exchanges and cooperation,” she said.

Speaking on China’s relations with Nigeria, the Consul General emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges in driving the development of China-Nigeria relations and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.

She noted that the Chinese Consulate in Lagos organised several charity projects such as the Renewed Hope- Rebirth from the Light, and Together Fight against Hunger, which benefitted 400 cataract patients and 1,000 low-income families in Nigeriain 2025 in an effort to galvanise the ties between both countries.

According to her, the 2026 China-Africa year of people-to-people exchanges would feature over 600 events, including cultural activities, charity projects, and people-to-people exchanges, aiming to deepen cooperation and friendship between China and Africa.