President Tinubu Highlights Africa's Potential for Investment and Growth During Meeting with Chinese Investors

President Bola Tinubu has highlighted Africa’s dynamic population, thriving economy, and abundant natural resources as key opportunities for investment, growth, and development. Tinubu made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday in Beijing, China.

During the meeting, Tinubu praised the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) for its role in strengthening the partnership between Africa and China for mutual progress and prosperity. “The African spirit for FOCAC is based upon mutual respect and partnership that promotes development, happiness, peace, and stability for our people. We are in this journey together. We believe that we share common interests, which are investments and development,” he said.

Speaking as both the President of Nigeria and the Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership promoted by FOCAC, noting that it is mutually beneficial to both sides. “For me, as a Nigerian and as Chairman of ECOWAS, I am happy that the strategic partnership being promoted is acceptable to both sides, and this is the way to go,” he stated.

The President also emphasized the importance of focusing on areas of collaboration to maintain the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship. “Africa is a huge opportunity for economic development. As great people, we are willing to partner for progress and development. What is most important will be the focus of FOCAC in areas on which we can collaborate to make the relationship mutually beneficial to all of us,” he added.

Tinubu, who is attending the ninth FOCAC in Beijing, also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for their hospitality. “I thank you for receiving us warmly. I am happy, despite the jetlag; we were well received and we are ready to move the ball,” Tinubu said.

The Chinese government announced its readiness to collaborate with Nigeria to implement the agreements reached between Presidents Xi Jinping and Tinubu, as part of their recently formed comprehensive strategic cooperation.