On 13 October 2026, during a state visit by Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko to Beijing, [President Xi Jinping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xi_Jinping) presented a four‑point agenda aimed at strengthening mining collaboration between China and African nations. The proposal, framed against a shifting global critical‑minerals landscape and Africa’s drive for self‑reliant development, seeks to deepen the long‑standing China‑Africa partnership.
Key points of the agenda include: (1) affirming that African resources belong to Africa; (2) emphasizing shared interests and win‑win outcomes; (3) pursuing high‑quality, value‑added development; and (4) guaranteeing an open, fair cooperation environment. The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reiterated that these principles mirror the broader vision of a China‑Africa community with a shared future and that they will guide future projects in Nigeria and across the continent.
What does “resource sovereignty” mean for African nations?
The first principle asserts that African minerals are the continent’s own assets. Historically, Africa has been positioned at the low end of global value chains, a legacy the ambassador described as an “historical injustice.” By recognizing resource sovereignty as a core element of national sovereignty, China says it will respect each country’s right to control its mineral wealth and to design development pathways that suit local conditions.
How is mutual benefit envisioned in the partnership?
The second point stresses that cooperation should generate shared gains rather than unilateral profit. Chinese firms operating in Nigeria’s energy and mining sectors are said to bring capital, technology, and localized operations, while also investing in skills training, community projects and green‑technology transfer. The embassy pledged continued guidance to enhance these contributions and to foster South‑South collaboration.
What is meant by “high‑quality development”?
The third pillar calls for moving beyond raw‑material extraction toward local processing, extended industrial chains and higher value‑addition. Aligning China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan with Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda, the plan aims to push projects into deep‑processing stages, helping Nigeria build a more comprehensive industrial system and avoid the classic “resource‑curse” scenario.
How will a fair and open market be ensured?
The final principle warns against turning African minerals into tools of geopolitical rivalry. China says it will maintain open competition, welcome all partners committed to Africa’s development, and work with African governments to keep mining markets stable and predictable. This includes rejecting any attempts to use mineral assets as bargaining chips in international power games.
The ambassador also stressed that Chinese enterprises and citizens in Nigeria must fully comply with Nigerian laws, with a zero‑tolerance stance on illegal mining. He noted that the majority of Chinese mining firms operate lawfully, fulfil social responsibilities and protect the environment, while urging continued cooperation to combat illegal activities and improve market governance.
Overall, the four‑point framework is presented as a blueprint for turning Africa’s mineral endowment into tangible development dividends, reinforcing South‑South cooperation and supporting the modernisation goals of both China and African states, especially Nigeria.