Lagos: China’s relationship with Africa is entering a new phase driven by sustainability, innovation, mutual respect, and long-term strategic cooperation, says the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). NIIA Director-General, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, highlighted that the partnership is shifting from basic infrastructure financing to a broader model centered on shared prosperity and green transformation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this evolving partnership is described as a modern form of South-South cooperation rooted in mutual benefit, equality, and long-term development objectives rather than old-style donor dependency. Speaking after a recent high-level dialogue in Lagos, Osaghae said China now views Africa as an active partner in shaping global economic trends. The partnership increasingly emphasizes knowledge transfer, digital infrastructure, and industrial development rather than merely funding roads or ports.
Osaghae pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation remain the principal drivers of this evolving relationship. ‘These frameworks reflect China’s commitment to growth through cooperation rather than patronage,’ he said, stressing that China supports African states to participate meaningfully in global supply chains and international political platforms. This model rejects historical power imbalances and focuses on shared opportunities, particularly through industrial capacity, skills development, and technology adoption.
He noted that China’s investments have helped African countries build energy networks, railway corridors, and trade platforms that now support regional commerce. By backing African-led development strategies, China is strengthening governance choices and enabling states to pursue nationally defined priorities. Osaghae also highlighted Beijing’s push for reforms in global institutions, aligning with Africa’s long-standing demand for fairer representation. ‘This approach recognizes Africa as a key voice in emerging global power structures,’ he added.
Osaghae emphasized the increasing African participation in Chinese economic and political platforms, allowing more influence in global rule-making. He observed a ‘parallel economic ecosystem’ now emerging, connecting Africa and China across manufacturing, fintech, logistics, aviation, and digital services. This system encourages local value addition, reducing Africa’s dependence on raw commodity exports and promoting industrial clusters. African small and medium enterprises are benefiting from Chinese market access, e-commerce platforms, and training programs.
According to him, cooperation in currency use, especially the Yuan, is widening African financial options beyond traditional Western systems. ‘Financial diversification supports economic resilience and shields developing economies from external shocks,’ he said. Beyond economics, Osaghae highlighted China’s increasing role in African peacekeeping, humanitarian support, and health diplomacy, referencing medical cooperation during COVID-19 and continued collaboration in vaccine production and public health training.
Green development is now central, aligning with global climate frameworks and Africa’s Agenda 2063 environmental ambitions. ‘This partnership now encourages renewable energy, clean mining, biodiversity protection, and low-carbon industrial zones,’ he noted. China’s environmental commitment includes corporate social responsibility, particularly in extractive industries and infrastructure projects. Similarly, Dr. Rita Agu, Senior Research Fellow at the NIIA, said this cooperation sits where industrial growth meets environmental duty.
Agu defined green development as growth that protects future generations and balances enterprise with ecological care. According to her, China’s Green Silk Road aims to support countries pursuing clean energy and climate-smart agriculture. She urged more green finance investments, technology partnerships, and private-sector involvement in renewable power projects across Africa. Joint research hubs are needed to strengthen Africa’s climate-adaptation science and innovation capacity.
Agu identified renewable energy, digitized farming, waste-to-energy systems, and green industrial parks as priority sectors for both partners. According to her, Africa is already witnessing new jobs, improved climate resilience, and access to low-carbon technologies. She pointed to rising revenue flows from sustainable sectors such as solar manufacturing and green logistics. ‘Green development is now a core pillar of China-Africa ties,’ she emphasized, noting that this momentum would help Africa pursue a balanced transition that protects the planet while expanding prosperity.