Africa and China have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of the China-Africa Cooperation 2035 Vision, aimed at building a community with a shared future centered on peace, sustainable growth, and people-centered development. The commitment was made during the 6th Abuja Forum held on Thursday, which carried the theme “Deepening the Implementation of the China-Africa Cooperation 2035 Vision: Forging a Closer China-Africa Community with a Shared Future (Putting Theory into Practice).” The annual forum is jointly hosted by the Gusau Institute and the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University to enhance cooperation in areas such as defence and security, development, capacity building, economy and trade, and technology.
In her virtual remarks, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, commended China and Africa for sustaining dialogue amid global economic uncertainties. She stated, “These are difficult times for the global trading system which faces its biggest disruption since the Second World War. But forums like this remind us that cooperation, not isolation, is the way forward. The China-Africa partnership stands out as an example of how developing nations can work together to create resilient, inclusive growth.” Okonjo-Iweala noted that Africa’s low share in global trade presents an opportunity, saying, “China has an opportunity to lead by investing in African value chains and enabling African economies to move up the ladder. By transferring technology, skills and know-how, Chinese investors can help raise productivity, create jobs, and expand markets that benefit both regions.” She urged African nations to prioritize infrastructure, manufacturing, and the African Continental Free Trade Area implementation to reduce trade costs and foster economic integration.
Retired Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau, founder of the Gusau Institute, emphasized that peace and security are foundational for development. He called for strengthened cooperation to address insecurity in the Sahel and other regions, stating, “The 2035 Vision is a bold and structured framework for building a more equitable and resilient future. But the real challenge lies in implementation, in turning memoranda into mechanisms and dialogue into development. That is where institutions like ours must step up.” Gusau commended the partnership with Zhejiang Normal University as a model for think-tank collaboration that translates ideas into policy impact.
Prof. Xu Wei, Deputy Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation, saying, “Over the six editions of the Abuja Forum, we have built a strong bridge between Chinese and Nigerian think tanks. Our goal is to make scholarly dialogue translate into practical policy and to ensure that cooperation benefits the ordinary people of both countries.”
Mrs. Dong Hairong, representing the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said China remains steadfast in supporting Africa’s agenda, stating, “China and Africa share a destiny of common development. We will continue to support Africa’s efforts in infrastructure, agriculture, energy transition, and peacebuilding to ensure that no one is left behind.”
Mr. Mike Zhang, President of the Nigeria Chinese Business Association, highlighted the role of Chinese enterprises, noting, “Chinese businesses are not just investors; we are partners in Nigeria’s progress. From renewable energy projects to agro-processing zones, we are investing in areas that create jobs and add value locally.”
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, emphasized Nigeria’s strategic role, promising, “Nigeria occupies a central position in Africa-China cooperation. Through the IPCR, we will continue to provide the research and policy support needed to turn shared aspirations into measurable outcomes.”
The forum included participants such as diplomats, senior government officials, scholars, and policy experts from Nigeria, China, and other African countries.
