Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi (王毅) continued China’s longstanding tradition of starting the new year with African diplomacy. From Monday to Saturday last week, Wang visited Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria, reflecting China’s consistent engagement with the continent.
He began his tour in Namibia, meeting Namibian president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first female president, as well as Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba and Namibian Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Peya Mushelenga. The visit marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia. Discussions centered on Namibia’s aspirations to benefit from the outcomes of last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which introduced 10 partnership action plans pivotal for Namibia’s development.
China has invested US$4.6 billion in Namibia since 1990, primarily in infrastructure and resource extraction. More recently, Chinese investments have expanded into retail, hospitality and industrial development. While bilateral trade remains modest at less than US$1.5 billion, Wang emphasized the enduring ties between Namibia’s South West Africa People’s Organization party and the Chinese Communist Party, which has fostered decades of cooperation. He also reiterated China’s commitment to Africa amid a shifting global order.
In the Congo, cochair of the FOCAC, Wang met Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The discussions focused on Africa’s role in global governance, particularly within the UN, and the alignment of the Congo’s infrastructure, power, agriculture and industrialization needs with FOCAC’s 10 partnership plans.
China-Congo trade stands at approximately US$8 billion, with the Congo exporting oil to China. Diplomatic relations, established in 1964, were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2016. China pledged US$51 billion in financial commitments during the FOCAC, and Wang emphasized the importance of implementing those plans to accelerate Africa’s development. However, Congolese leaders are cautious, acknowledging the time required to translate pledges into tangible investments.
Wang also met Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Makosso and Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Claude Gakosso, and reaffirmed China’s intent to support comprehensive development in the Congo.
In Chad, Wang faced an unexpected challenge when a coup attempt occurred just hours after his visit. The attack on the presidential headquarters left 18 of the 24 assailants dead. Earlier, Wang held discussions with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby, focusing on strengthening the China-Chad strategic partnership.
China-Chad trade remains modest at less than US$1.5 billion, primarily involving oil exports from Chad to China, and Chinese foreign direct investment in Chad is about US$10 million. Despite those challenges, Wang reassured Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abderaman Koulamallah of China’s commitment to cooperation and alignment with the FOCAC’s decisions.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, was a highlight of Wang’s tour. He met Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar in Abuja to discuss bilateral relations and FOCAC implementation. Wang reiterated China’s commitment to provide military aid of 1 billion yuan (US$136.4 million), including training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police officers across Africa.
With trade between Nigeria and China reaching US$22 billion in 2023, Nigeria is one of China’s most important trading partners in Africa. Nigeria’s admission as a BRICS partner at the Kazan summit in Russia further enhances its strategic significance. A US$255 million railway package was announced during Wang’s visit, complementing Nigeria’s numerous Belt and Road Initiative projects in railway and port infrastructure.
Wang’s visit reflected a strategic approach, spanning southern, central and western Africa. Last year, Wang visited Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and the Ivory Coast, while in 2023, former Chinese minister of foreign affairs Qin Gang (秦剛) toured Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt.
Notably, this year’s tour focused on implementing the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the FOCAC, which included US$51 billion in financial commitments. However, specifics on how those funds would be disbursed — whether as loans or grants — remain unclear.
Wang’s visit underscored China’s commitment to Africa, emphasizing development cooperation, infrastructure investment and multilateral engagement. By engaging nations across diverse regions, China aims to strengthen ties and align its initiatives with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As tensions with Western powers grow, China views Africa as a critical ally in global governance. Africa’s bloc voting power in the UN and its 54 nations offer significant leverage in China’s efforts to reform multilateral institutions such as the UN Security Council.
Western influence in Africa appears to be waning. France has reduced its military presence and Europe’s focus on the continent has diminished. The US, preoccupied with domestic and geopolitical crises, has struggled to maintain consistent engagement, despite US President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola last month. Against this backdrop, Wang’s visit reinforced China’s position as a reliable and committed partner for Africa.
Gurjit Singh is a former Indian ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, ASEAN, Ethiopia and the African Union.
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