…Forum highlights China’s expanding role in Africa’s dev’t, stresses need to remain relaible partner
…promotes shared prosperity with Africa through new trade policy
BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Chinese government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Africa in strengthening peace and security across the continent, while deepening bilateral cooperation through a joint security partnership framework.
The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, stated this during the Lagos Forum 2026 themed, “Successful Practice of Principles of Sincerity, Real Results, Amity and Good Faith in Africa,” held in Lagos.
The event was hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos in collaboration with Africa-China Economy Magazine.
Speaking at the forum, Yuqing disclosed that China officially implemented a zero-tariff policy for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China on May 1, 2026.
According to her, the policy represents a strategic move by China at the beginning of its 15th Five-Year Plan aimed at balancing domestic and international priorities while advancing high-level economic openness.
She described the initiative as a major demonstration of China’s commitment to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the pursuit of shared interests with African nations.
“This policy is epoch-making in the history of China-Africa relations and international relations,” Yuqing said.
She explained that the zero-tariff initiative is designed to expand trade and investment cooperation, strengthen China-Africa economic connectivity, and support inclusive globalisation that directly improves the welfare of African people.
The Consul General further assured African countries of China’s continued friendship and partnership.
“China will steadfastly pursue a policy of friendship towards Africa, remain a reliable friend and sincere partner to African nations, and strive to make greater contributions to peace and development in Africa,” she said.
Reflecting on the evolution of China-Africa relations, Yuqing noted that in 2013, shortly after assuming office, Chinese President Xi Jinping chose Africa as the destination of his first overseas visit, during which he introduced the principles guiding modern China-Africa cooperation.
She added that President Xi subsequently proposed several global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, aimed at promoting shared development, collective security, and improved global governance between China and Africa.
Also speaking at the forum, Adetoro Olanyi Banwo of the University of Lagos said China-Africa relations entered a new phase in 2013 when President Xi Jinping advocated for relations built on sincerity, real results, amity and good faith.
Banwo commended China’s zero-tariff policy on African exports, describing it as an opportunity for African economies to transition from dependence on raw materials to manufacturing and investment-driven growth.
“China has demonstrated sincerity towards Africa through its commitment to the continent’s development,” he said, adding that Chinese-backed infrastructure projects have transformed communities across Africa.
“In Nigeria, projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna railway have brought development and prosperity to previously underserved areas,” Banwo noted.
He added that the policy reinforces China’s support for multilateralism, South-South cooperation, and global economic integration in contrast to rising protectionist tendencies globally.
According to him, the initiative could help African countries address long-standing trade imbalances with China.
The forum also featured the presentation of a new book titled “Africa’s Diplomacy: A Quarter Century of FOCAC,” authored by Ikenna Emewu, Editor-in-Chief of Africa-China Economy.
