In a world where international relationships often shift with the winds of change, the enduring partnership between China and Africa—especially Nigeria—remains a powerful testament to mutual respect, shared values, and the pursuit of a common future. On March 7, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the press conference during the 3rd Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, reaffirmed this unwavering bond, declaring that “China and Africa are always good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared future.” These words encapsulate the essence of a relationship that has flourished over the last quarter-century and shows no sign of slowing down.
Over the past 25 years, the partnership between China and Africa has blossomed into a mutually beneficial collaboration that has transformed the lives of millions across the African continent. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi aptly put it, “To African brothers and sisters, China-Africa cooperation is visible, tangible and truly beneficial.” The results are evident in the infrastructure projects, job creation, and economic growth that have become the hallmark of this partnership. China’s commitment to improving Africa’s infrastructure is unmatched. The construction of nearly 100,000 kilometres of roads and over 10,000 kilometres of railways has connected communities, facilitated trade, and spurred economic development. In just the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million new jobs across Africa. These accomplishments highlight the impact of China’s investments, which go beyond numbers—they represent real, on-the-ground improvements in the lives of Africans.
Equally significant are the trade ties between China and Africa. In 2024, bilateral trade reached an impressive 2.1 trillion RMB (approximately 280 billion USD), with a year-on-year increase of 6.1%. This marks a staggering 24-fold surge since the inception of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). As Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted, “China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years,” reinforcing the steadfast nature of this relationship.
Among Africa’s many partnerships with China, Nigeria stands out as a key ally. The two nations have worked together to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure, foster economic growth, and promote cultural exchange, laying the foundation for a prosperous future. Their cooperation has not just been symbolic; it has led to concrete, transformative results. Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape has been radically changed by Chinese investments. Projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the construction of four international airport terminals, and the Lagos Blue Line Light Rail are monumental. The Blue Line, inaugurated in January 2023, stands as West Africa’s first electrified light rail, revolutionizing urban mobility. By March 2024, a second light rail line was launched, further improving transportation in Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos.
These projects symbolise more than just physical transformation. They represent China and Nigeria’s shared vision for the future—one where collaboration fosters sustainable growth. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised, “China and Nigeria have consistently demonstrated profound camaraderie through practical actions, embodying the spirit of mutual trust and solidarity.”
Beyond infrastructure, the economic ties between China and Nigeria have also flourished. At the end of 2024, the People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement worth 15 billion RMB (approximately 3.28 trillion naira). Additionally, the China Development Bank financed the Kano-Kaduna Railway with a loan of 245 million euros. These financial partnerships are essential in enabling Nigeria’s continued economic modernisation.
Agricultural trade is another area of collaboration. Nigerian products such as peanuts, sesame, and cashews have found growing markets in China, benefiting farmers and strengthening the trade relationship between the two countries. The Ogun Free Trade Zone, which has attracted over 140 Chinese enterprises, is a shining example of how both nations are building an interconnected economic future.
Friendship between nations goes beyond economic and infrastructure ties—it’s deeply rooted in cultural understanding. The relationship between China and Nigeria thrives on this shared cultural bond, with people-to-people exchanges growing stronger every year. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted, “The spirit of mutual trust and solidarity” is evident in the cultural exchanges that bring the people of China and Nigeria closer. Chinese and Nigerian communities celebrate each other’s festivals, from the Lunar New Year to the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Nigerian artists, including performers from the Huaxing Arts Troupe, have enriched Chinese audiences with traditional dances, drumming, and martial arts. This cultural exchange fosters deeper connections, creating a social foundation that strengthens the ties between both nations.
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Looking ahead, the partnership between China and Nigeria is poised to reach even greater heights. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out, “Africa is a fertile land of hope of the 21st century,” and its modernization is vital to global development. This sentiment reflects a shared understanding between China and Africa that their futures are inextricably linked. The year 2025 marks the beginning of implementing the outcomes from the FOCAC Beijing Summit, which set ambitious goals for China-Africa cooperation. Among the key initiatives, China is committed to supporting Africa in advancing industrialization and agricultural modernisation. This includes the implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines and fostering new industries in sectors like digital technology, AI, and green energy.
As President Xi Jinping aptly stated, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb encapsulates the spirit of China-Nigeria relations—a partnership grounded in unity, mutual benefit, and shared aspirations for the future. Both nations are determined to work together toward achieving sustainable development, using collaboration as the foundation for success. China and Nigeria’s cooperation is not only important for their bilateral relations but for the broader vision of global modernisation. As both nations continue to deepen their ties, they are leading the charge in fostering a new era of development for Africa. The mutual commitment to shared prosperity, industrial growth, and technological innovation ensures that China-Nigeria relations will continue to thrive in the coming years.
With the joint efforts of China and Nigeria, the path toward African modernisation is clear. As they embark on a new chapter of cooperation, both countries are poised to contribute meaningfully to the broader global community, working together to build a shared future for all of humankind. Through unity, determination and unwavering friendship, China and Nigeria are not just shaping their own destinies—they are crafting a legacy of progress for the world.