Raphael Oni
Beijing, China – March 7, 2025 – In a landmark press conference today, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening its bond with Africa, describing the two as “good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared future”.
Wang Yi’s remarks came as the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) approaches, marking a significant milestone in the China-Africa relationship. Over the past quarter-century, China has played a pivotal role in Africa’s development, helping to build or upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads and more than 10,000 kilometers of railways.
The impact of China-Africa cooperation is tangible, with Chinese enterprises creating over 1.1 million new jobs in Africa over the past three years alone. China has remained Africa’s largest trade partner for 16 consecutive years, demonstrating the depth of their economic ties.
Wang Yi also highlighted the success story of a Gambian farmer who benefited from China’s hybrid rice technology, sending a bag of rice to Hunan Province in China as a token of appreciation. This anecdote illustrates the positive impact of China-Africa cooperation on African communities.
As Africa undergoes a new awakening, Wang Yi emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development and exploring new paths for cooperation. He called on the world to listen to Africa’s concerns and support the continent’s pursuit of self-reliance and self-strengthening.
