In recent years, pragmatic cooperation between China and West Africa has grown in both quantity and quality: trade volumes have increased significantly, clean energy and energy projects have been launched, port and transport infrastructure has improved, and agricultural transformation along with technological cooperation has accelerated. At the same time, cultural exchanges and vocational training programs have deepened, laying a strong social foundation for sustainable cooperation.
Deepening Trade and Investment
Senegal’s import and export volume has grown rapidly, from USD 9.26 billion in 2014 to USD 17.69 billion in 2024, an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. In 2024, China overtook France to become Senegal’s largest supplier, marking a new milestone in China–Senegal economic cooperation. The country’s rich natural resources and political stability provide an attractive environment for bilateral trade.
In terms of trade structure, Senegal exports specialty agricultural products, refined petroleum products, and minerals. In 2024, China imported USD 747.507 million worth of Senegalese minerals, a dramatic 751.8% increase from the previous year, including raw gold worth 4.653 billion yuan (≈ USD 647 million). Due to limited arable land and an underdeveloped processing industry, the country also imports large quantities of grain and industrial goods; electromechanical equipment, textiles, and consumer goods manufactured in China are among its main imports. In 2024, China’s exports to Senegal totaled 33.697 billion yuan, while imports from Senegal reached 7.749 billion yuan, bringing total bilateral trade to 41.446 billion yuan.
China–Nigeria investment cooperation has also produced tangible results. For example, the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Nigeria, enjoying tax exemptions, has attracted several technology companies from Zhongguancun; it now hosts 142 enterprises, with cumulative investment reaching USD 2 billion and more than 9,000 jobs created. The zone is home to one of Africa’s largest ceramics companies, Wangkang Ceramics, one of West Africa’s largest glass factories, China Glass, and Nigeria’s largest packaging carton factory, Hewang Packaging.
In Nigeria, Chinese companies are shifting from simply undertaking public works projects to engaging in industrial investment, manufacturing, and deeper energy sector participation. Recently, Nigerian officials reported that several Chinese companies had expressed investment intentions or commitments exceeding USD 20 billion in sectors such as agriculture, mining, automobile manufacturing, steel, and energy. Nigerian authorities view these “intentions” as key drivers for industrialization and job creation.
In terms of project types, this wave of cooperation combines traditional public works contracts with a growing number of investments targeting local production and “localization”: some companies plan to establish manufacturing plants, processing bases, and on-site mineral resource upgrading facilities. Unlike the old “construction–supply–revenue repatriation” model, the current approach emphasizes local production, local employment, and supply chains anchored within the country. If these intentions materialize into actual investments, they will help boost Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity and increase the share of processed goods in its exports.
Vast Prospects in the Energy Sector
China–Africa cooperation in green energy has seen several notable achievements. BYD has launched its “Yuan PLUS” long-range electric vehicle in Dakar, offering residents a more environmentally friendly mobility option. Chinese-made solar streetlights are widely used in rural Senegal, improving public lighting and agricultural production conditions. In Dakar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, all 121 articulated 18-meter electric buses are of Chinese origin; the stations and depot are equipped with photovoltaic systems, significantly reducing urban energy consumption.
For electrifying remote rural areas, Chinese companies are developing off-grid photovoltaic projects, installing solar plants and distribution networks to bring reliable electricity to households and farms without grid access. The Senegalese government is actively working to optimize its energy mix: President Faye’s energy strategy aims for 40% renewable energy by 2030, a key goal for enhancing energy independence and combating climate change. In recent years, Chinese companies have invested in several photovoltaic power plants in Senegal; projects are growing in scale, and feasibility studies for phase II—including energy storage—have been launched. Some projects even plan to install solar panels along highways to power nearby villages.
With abundant sunshine and wind resources in Senegal, and China’s mature expertise in new technologies, the two sides have obvious complementarities and vast cooperation potential.
In July 2025, China Energy Engineering Group (CEEC) and other Chinese companies served as the general contractor for the largest biomass power plant under construction in West Africa: the Biaoya biomass plant in Côte d’Ivoire, with a capacity of 46 MW, successfully completed its first power injection—laying the foundation for the progressive start-up of units and grid connection. Located in the Abuissu region, about 100 km east of Abidjan, the project is the largest biomass power plant in the subregion and the first in Côte d’Ivoire. Equipped with two 23 MW steam turbine units, it will use palm oil industry waste (leaves and stems) as fuel. During construction and operation, the project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and provide supplementary income for about 12,000 palm growers. Once operational, it will produce about 348 million kWh per year—enough to meet the annual electricity demand of about 1.7 million people—and reduce CO₂ emissions by about 180,000 tons per year, contributing to sustainable energy and local socio-economic development.
Infrastructure and Development Projects to Improve Living Conditions
The Simandou iron ore deposit in western Guinea is one of the world’s largest and highest-quality yet-to-be-exploited reserves: proven reserves exceed 2.25 billion tons, with total resources possibly reaching 5 billion tons, and an iron content of 66–67%, ranking among the best globally. Once fully developed, the deposit could allow annual exports of up to 120 million tons. Currently, Chinese groups led by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC, Port and Navigation / China Harbour Engineering Company) are working to establish the necessary logistics for transporting the ore.
The Simandou port project, located at the mouth of the Marébayah River, is being built by China Harbour and has been progressing steadily since construction began in September 2023. Once completed, this terminal will be the main export hub for Simandou ore, boosting mining operations and contributing significantly to Guinea’s economic and social development as well as to global iron ore supply stability.
During construction, companies have taken on social responsibilities: in a nearby fishing village, residents once suffered from isolation and poor road conditions. “Before, our paths were just dirt; when it rained, everything turned muddy and we couldn’t move around. Our farm produce couldn’t leave, and essential goods couldn’t come in,” recalls Mamadou, a septuagenarian fisherman. Thanks to the Simandou port project, the construction team built a wide road to the port and helped repair internal village roads. “Today, we have a ‘road to prosperity’; travel is easier and our goods can reach farther markets,” he says with a broad smile.
The Friendship Port in Mauritania, built by Chinese companies and operational since 1986, handles over 90% of the country’s imports and is a key pillar of the national economy—often called “Mauritania’s lung.” With local economic growth, the existing docks became insufficient. With China’s continued support, the port was expanded: in 2014, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) built docks 4 and 5, increasing capacity from 0.9 million tons to 6 million tons. According to commercial director Ahmedou Gaid, the port’s traffic in 2024 reached 6.12 million tons, with container throughput of 230,000 TEUs, accounting for about 80% of the country’s foreign trade and making a strong contribution to national economic development.
Rich and Varied Cultural Exchanges
In July 2025, Nigeria’s national radio launched the program Ni Hao, China (“Hello, China”) in Abuja. Present at the inauguration were Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Brama, service heads, staff, and journalists. In his speech, Ambassador Yu noted that 2026 will be the “Year of China–Africa Cultural Exchanges”; thus, the launch of this program is timely and will offer Nigerians a new platform to learn Chinese and discover China, strengthening public support for bilateral economic cooperation and consolidating the China–Nigeria strategic partnership.
Founded in 1978, FRCN broadcasts nationwide and remains a major source of information for the population, reaching more than 200 million potential listeners. Ni Hao, China began airing on July 16 and is broadcast every Wednesday from 17:00 to 17:30 nationwide. The program combines Chinese language lessons with segments on China’s economy, technology, society, and culture, giving Nigerians a fresh and diverse window into China.
Sino-African artistic exchanges are also notable. In April 2025, the percussion ensemble of China’s Central Conservatory of Music toured Senegal. At a concert in Dakar’s Grand National Theatre, Senegal’s Doudou N’Diaye Rose ensemble performed traditional sabar rhythms, while the Chinese group played percussion pieces such as Drum Poem and Hundred Birds Singing. Conductor Mustafa N’Diaye remarked: “We greatly enjoyed the performance of Chinese percussion… The drum is not just an instrument, it’s a form of cultural transmission.” Professor Yin Fei (from the Chinese side) noted that, like African percussion, Chinese percussion has a rich history; the fusion of the two styles brings shared joy and power. Both sides expressed their desire to strengthen artistic and academic exchanges so that culture can help bring people closer together.
Upgrading Agricultural Cooperation
Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer, accounting for about 40% of global production. In 2024, Ivorian production reached nearly 2 million tons, with over 1.4 million tons exported; however, the local processing rate remained low (about 30%). In June 2025, the Abidjan cocoa processing plant—built by Nanning Design & Engineering Co., Ltd, a Chinese light industry company—was officially handed over. Located in PK24, northwest of Abidjan, the plant covers about 21 hectares; it has a processing capacity of 50,000 tons per year and storage capacity of 140,000 tons, making it the largest cocoa bean storage center owned by Côte d’Ivoire. Previously, around 15 large-scale processing plants existed in the country, but most were foreign-owned, with the chocolate and processing markets dominated by Western companies. Now, Côte d’Ivoire has its own large-scale processing unit and storage center, strengthening its voice in the global cocoa market.
In Guinea-Bissau, traditional production methods limit agricultural development, and rice productivity remains low. In June 2025, China’s 12th agricultural expert team on a technical assistance mission organized a high-yield rice cultivation training course in the central Bafatá region, bringing together over 210 agricultural officials, farmers, and technicians from across the country.
During the training, Chinese experts adapted their teaching to local conditions and farming practices, explaining all steps—from nursery preparation and field management to integrated pest and disease control. In field demonstrations, rice expert Liao Zuoyi held rice ears in his hands while explaining key technical points to participants: “Our goal is not just to increase yields, but to teach farmers sustainable production methods. Only strong roots allow rice fields to resist lodging and achieve high yields.”
Biyoï, a farmer from Oio region, said: “Before, we farmed using traditional methods and depended on the will of the skies. Today, thanks to these modern rice cultivation techniques, farmers hold the key to success.” Zheng Junjie, head of the 12th Chinese agricultural expert mission in Guinea-Bissau, stated: “It’s better to teach someone to fish than to give them fish. We hope these techniques, like seeds, will take root in Guinea-Bissau and benefit more farmers.”