China and the Economic Community of West African States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on regional integration, infrastructure development, trade and economic growth.
The commitment was reiterated on October 12, 2026, when China’s Ambassador to Nigeria and Representative to ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai, met with the newly appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop.
During the meeting, Yu congratulated Diop on his assumption of office and highlighted the significance of 2026 in relations between China and the West African regional bloc, particularly the handover and commissioning of the China-funded ECOWAS headquarters.
The Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in advancing regional peace, economic development and integration through expanded cooperation in strategic sectors.
Yu said China would use President Xi Jinping’s proposed “Ten Partnership Actions” and four global initiatives as guiding frameworks for deepening engagement with the regional organisation.
He also pledged China’s continued support for ECOWAS’s leadership in promoting stability and economic progress across West Africa, while emphasising the need to strengthen practical collaboration in trade, commerce and infrastructure.
According to the envoy, both sides could further enhance economic relations by taking advantage of China’s zero-tariff treatment policy, which is intended to facilitate trade and expand market access for eligible African exports.
Yu expressed China’s readiness to work with ECOWAS to advance modernisation across West Africa and contribute to the development of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
In his response, Diop commended China for financing and constructing the new ECOWAS headquarters, describing the project and other China-backed initiatives as important contributions to the development of the regional organisation.
The ECOWAS Commission president also acknowledged China’s support for Africa through measures such as zero-tariff treatment and its broader commitment to regional integration, peace and economic development.
Diop expressed the regional bloc’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with Beijing by aligning their respective development strategies.
He said closer coordination between the two sides would help deepen their relationship and create opportunities for expanded collaboration in areas of shared interest.
The meeting underscores the importance both parties attach to maintaining and expanding their partnership at a time when West African countries continue to pursue regional integration, infrastructure expansion and sustainable economic growth.
With the commissioning of the China-supported ECOWAS headquarters marking a significant development in their engagement, both sides have signalled their intention to build on existing cooperation and explore further opportunities to support development across the region.
