Mr. Du Xiaohui, Head of the Department of African Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showcased in a detailed briefing on Wednesday the breadth of Beijing’s engagement with Africa, underscoring what he called “a remarkable record” of cooperation across infrastructure, health, trade, and agriculture.
Speaking to a delegation of over 30 African journalists in Beijing as part of the Chinese International Press and Communication Center (CIPCC) 2025 programme, Mr. Du provided key statistics and reflections on China’s evolving relationship with the continent.
“Trade between China and Africa rose by 22.7% in the first quarter of this year, reaching €72.6 billion,” he announced. “China also provided €17.59 billion in financing to support Africa’s exports to China.”
Referring to pledges made during last year’s summit, Mr. Du stated that China had already disbursed about €150 billion—roughly 40% of the €360 billion commitment intended over three years.
He detailed that infrastructure financing reached €55.45 billion, while credit to African financial institutions stood at €40.57 billion.
“China has increased its direct investment in Africa to €13.38 billion,” he added, citing signature projects such as the revitalization of the Tanzawa railway, energy-saving initiatives in Cameroon, and new cooperation frameworks signed with Kenya.
In the health sector, Du noted the deployment of 508 Chinese medical professionals to African countries, treating over 1.06 million patients.
He paid tribute to the head of one of the medical teams who recently passed away, calling their contributions “a living testament to China-Africa friendship.”
On agricultural cooperation, China has dispatched over 200 experts to countries including Madagascar, Eritrea, and Burundi.
It has also launched Efficient Production Demonstration Zones and signed 22 export agreements with 19 African countries.
China’s financial assistance, Du explained, includes a €210 billion donation package to 10 countries and support for 600 additional development programs.
At the close of the 2025 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to the “Beijing Declaration on Building a Shared Future,” emphasizing mutual respect, economic fairness, and sovereignty.
Mr. Du concluded by stressing, “In our modernization journey, we must meet Africa’s expectations and benefit its people.”
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