The New Prospect of African-Chinese Partnership

AT the beginning of each year, Chinese diplomats visit Africa as a symbol of the special relationship that exists between our peoples. In February 2021, China and my country, Nigeria, celebrated the 50th anniversary of our bilateral cooperation. Fifty years ago, Africa also played an important role in helping the People’s Republic of China attain its rightful place at the United Nations. Nigeria and China are two of the world’s most populous nations, with Nigeria projected to become the third most populous country by 2050. With our shared desire for collaboration in development and maintaining peace and security in the world, we have much in common for mutual and global interest.

- OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

In Africa, we have the youngest population of any region. According to statistics of the United Nations, three quarters of Africa’s population is under the age of 35. Given access to education and opportunity, these young people will transform their countries, the continent of Africa, and the rest of the world. As many nations face the challenges rising out of an aging demography, we have the potential for tremendous innovation and economic growth, some of which is already realized, as evidenced by the report on health, education, and agriculture in Africa, entitled “Making Africa’s Population an Asset,” released by the Africa Progress Group, which I chair.