By Nkechi Eze
China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with West Africa as the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, paid a courtesy visit to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in Abuja on December 4, 2025.
During the visit, Ambassador Yu presented a China-made official vehicle to President Touray, underscoring China’s continued support for ECOWAS institutions and regional integration efforts. The gesture symbolises the deepening partnership between China and the West African bloc, which spans governance, development infrastructure and economic cooperation.
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Yu praised ECOWAS for its decades-long leadership in advancing peace, stability, democracy and regional integration across West Africa. He noted that since its establishment 50 years ago, ECOWAS has become “the most influential sub-regional organisation in Africa,” with China–ECOWAS relations serving as a model of South-South cooperation.
He highlighted key milestones in the partnership, including the construction of the ECOWAS headquarters building, widely regarded as one of the landmark projects supported by China on the continent. Ambassador Yu stressed that China remains committed to sharing development opportunities globally, as outlined in the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
He added that China is ready to fast-track the implementation of zero-tariff measures for Africa, a move that could open new economic opportunities for West African states and further enhance bilateral trade.
In his response, President Touray expressed profound appreciation for China’s sustained support toward strengthening ECOWAS’ institutional capacity, infrastructure and operational efficiency. He commended China’s development strides and reaffirmed ECOWAS’ support for the four global initiatives proposed by China, describing them as important frameworks for promoting peace, development, security and cultural exchange worldwide.
President Touray stressed ECOWAS’ commitment to deepening cooperation with China, noting that the regional bloc looks forward to advancing joint programmes that will benefit member states and enhance the organisation’s role in fostering stability and prosperity across West Africa.
The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to further consolidate their long-standing partnership and explore new areas of collaboration as China continues to expand its engagement with regional institutions across the African continent.
