ECOWAS and China Strengthen Security and Trade Cooperation
ECOWAS Commission President Birame Diop and Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai met in Abuja to expand cooperation on counter-terrorism, infrastructure, and trade.
Birame Diop, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, met with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai on October 12, 2026, to strengthen regional cooperation. The meeting at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja focused on regional integration, security, and sustainable development.
General Diop urged China to provide technical expertise and equipment to help member states combat terrorism, stating that "without peace, we cannot have development." He called for expanded collaboration across agriculture, digitalization, infrastructure, education, and security, characterizing China as a reliable partner.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China's commitment to the region, citing the handover of the new ECOWAS headquarters building and the implementation of a zero-tariff policy for African exports as evidence of China's support.
