Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on a diplomatic tour of Africa from January 5 to 11, visiting Namibia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Chad. This visit continues a 35-year tradition of Chinese foreign ministers prioritizing Africa in their first official trips of the year, underscoring the continent’s significance in Sino-African relations.

The tour is poised to bolster China’s partnerships with key African nations in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development. Africa plays a pivotal role in China’s economic strategy, serving as a critical source of natural resources and an expanding market for Chinese goods. For African nations, the visit presents an opportunity to deepen ties with China, whose investments in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture have been transformative in driving economic growth and improving living standards.

This diplomatic engagement also coincides with the backdrop of shifting global dynamics, as it comes on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President. Trump’s campaign rhetoric suggested a more isolationist stance in international affairs, potentially paving the way for China to strengthen its influence on the continent.

Wang Yi’s discussions are expected to center on trade, investment, and regional security. A major focus will likely be China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which envisions an extensive network of trade and investment links spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe. Africa, as a crucial component of this initiative, stands to benefit from increased economic integration and infrastructure development.

Regional security will also feature prominently, with emphasis on counter-terrorism and maritime security. China’s growing role in African security matters could see further collaboration on addressing shared challenges.

Although Togo is not on this year’s itinerary, other strategic nations such as South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Angola remain critical to China’s long-term diplomatic agenda due to their economic potential, strategic locations, and established ties with Beijing.

Wang Yi’s visit reaffirms China’s commitment to its African partnerships at a time of global uncertainty. As the U.S. recalibrates its foreign policy under the Trump administration, China’s deepening engagement in Africa is likely to grow in significance, cementing its role as a key ally in the continent’s development.