By Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Africa is reaffirming its position as a central player in driving global economic inclusion, as China restates its commitment to equitable development and multilateral cooperation.
Reinforcing this shared vision, the Head of Mission of China to the African Union and Representative to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Ambassador Jiang Feng, said in a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, that global prosperity cannot be achieved in a world where the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer.
“Development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege of a few. Regardless of international uncertainties, China will uphold the UN-centered system, support free trade, and stand by Africa as a true friend on its path to development,” Feng said.
Ambassador Feng reaffirmed China’s commitment to upholding the United Nations-centered international system, advancing multilateralism and free trade, and promoting an open world economy that supports Africa’s development.
“Regardless of international uncertainties, China will uphold the UN-centered international system, stick to multilateralism and free trade, strive to build an open world economy, and provide robust support for Africa’s development as a true friend walking hand in hand on Africa’s path to development,” he said.
He noted that China actively defends the rights of developing countries and works to bridge the gap between the Global North and South.
“The tariff wars initiated by the United States have seriously undermined global trade and economic order, posing challenges to all nations, especially those in the Global South.
“As the world’s second-largest economy, China actively defends the legitimate rights of developing countries and firmly upholds the multilateral trading system to help bridge the development gap between the Global North and South,” he stated.
Ambassador Feng said Africa and China, as leading members of the Global South, are united in their pursuit of shared growth under the Global Development Initiative.
He noted that China has expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, covering 100 percent of tariff lines.
From January to July 2025, China’s imports from Africa’s least developed countries hit $39.66 billion, representing a 10.2 percent rise from last year.
The envoy highlighted China’s contribution to Africa’s technological and green development, citing open-source artificial intelligence collaboration and clean energy projects such as the Blue Line Rail in Lagos, the Noor Solar Projects in Morocco, and the De Aar Wind Power Project in South Africa.
He stressed the principle of inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation, noting that while some developed nations have failed to honour commitments on development financing, China continues to open its market to create vast opportunities for Africa.
“At the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit held in September, President Xi Jinping announced zero-tariff treatment for all least developed countries maintaining diplomatic ties with China, including 33 African nations.
“In June this year, the initiative was expanded to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for continued partnership toward building an Africa where every citizen can thrive in dignity and hope.