Implementing the Four-Point Proposition on Mining Cooperation to Write a New Chapter in China-Africa Common Devt
By Yu Dunhai On October 13, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forth a four-point proposition on advancing China-Africa mining cooperation during his meeting with President Duma Gideon Boko of
On October 13, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point plan for enhanced China-Africa mining cooperation during a meeting with Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko. This proposal, rooted in the changing global mining landscape and Africa's need for self-reliance, outlines how the two nations can work together for mutual benefit.
As Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, I believe these principles offer a clear roadmap for transforming Africa's mineral resources into development gains. The first pillar emphasizes resource sovereignty: African resources belong to Africa. This principle rejects the historical imbalance that has kept Africa on the lower rungs of global industrial chains.
China respects African nations' right to control their own development paths, offering to share its experience to help them design mining strategies that suit their unique circumstances. The second principle focuses on shared interests and mutual benefit. China-Africa mining cooperation should be mutually beneficial, with China not seeking unilateral gains.
In practice, this means Chinese companies operating in Nigeria focus on local operations, skill development, and community contributions. This approach promotes fair and equitable partnerships that truly empower African nations. Third, the plan calls for high-quality, value-added development. By focusing on local processing and industrial chain extension, Africa can turn its resource abundance into economic strength.
China and Nigeria are aligning their development plans to push the cooperation towards higher-value industries, ensuring that mining becomes a driver of modernization rather than a source of "resource curse." Finally, the fourth principle underscores the need for a fair and open cooperation environment. Africa's resources should not be used as tools of geopolitical rivalry.
China advocates open cooperation and fair competition, welcoming all who genuinely wish to support Africa's development. We firmly reject any attempt to use minerals as geopolitical leverage, ensuring that resource development always serves the people and the country's progress. This four-point proposition, based on the realities of China-Nigeria mining cooperation, provides a clear path forward.
It underscores the shared future between China and Africa, offering a promising path for Africa's development and a powerful model for China-Africa relations.
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