In a testament to enduring collaboration, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on his 35th consecutive visit to Africa, covering Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria from January 5 to 11.
China's partnership with Namibia is deeply rooted in political understanding, cultural cooperation, and academic exchanges. Investments in the Husab Uranium Project and Rossing Uranium Mine now account for approximately 7% of Namibia's GDP. At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit last September, China pledged over 1.5 billion Namibian dollars (about $80.2 million) to support housing for police officers, future infrastructure projects, and drought relief efforts, reinforcing a vision of mutual development and a shared future.
In the Republic of the Congo, China's influence is evident through transformative infrastructure projects like the No. 1 National Highway, known as the \"Dream Road.\" This crucial artery connects Brazzaville with Pointe-Noire, enhancing economic activity by reducing travel time, transporting 90% of the country's major products, and creating 10,000 jobs while training over 4,000 local technicians.
Chad remains China's largest trading and investment partner in the region. Recent agreements signed at FOCAC include six memorandums of understanding in energy, water, agriculture, and infrastructure. These initiatives aim to drive Chad's development and improve the well-being of its people, aligning with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno's belief in the global opportunities presented by China's sustained growth.
Nigeria, a long-standing partner since 1971, continues to see robust economic ties with a bilateral trade volume reaching $1.31 billion in 2023, up 16.5% from the previous year. The recent renewal of a currency swap deal worth over $2 billion between Beijing and Abuja is set to enhance trade and investment, alleviate pressure on Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, and stabilize its economy.
These strategic engagements underscore China's commitment to fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships across Africa, addressing both economic and social challenges while paving the way for sustained growth and prosperity.
Reference(s):
Resilient China-Africa partnership: Navigating challenges together
cgtn.com
