H.E. Mr. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, Chairperson of AFCONE (right), with H.E. Ambassador Jiang Feng, Head of Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union (left), at AFCONE Headquarters, South Africa – 15 October 2025
The Chairperson of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), H.E. Mr. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, hosted a delegation from the People’s Republic of China, led by H.E. Ambassador Jiang Feng, to discuss cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in Africa.
Mr. Mboyo briefed the delegation on AFCONE’s commitment to advancing the continent as a nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Treaty of Pelindaba, emphasising that Africa’s security and sustainable development depend on the safe and secure management of nuclear and radioactive materials.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared dedication to promoting peace and security and recognised the longstanding partnership between Africa and the People’s Republic of China, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared priorities for development.
Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed the People’s Republic of China’s support for Africa’s goals of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy in line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations (UN) and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) objectives. He highlighted China’s readiness to work with African States on key areas such as clean energy transition, nuclear technology, human health, food and agriculture, and industrial development.
During his remarks, Ambassador Jiang highlighted the rich history of cooperation between Africa and the People’s Republic of China. He cited a number of significant initiatives adopted at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024, including the Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027), which outlines a wide range of China–Africa partnership actions, as well as the China–Africa Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology initiative.
The AFCONE Chairperson, while acknowledging the deep relationship between Africa and the People’s Republic of China, emphasised the importance of strengthening this strategic partnership to advance nuclear science and technology. He conveyed AFCONE’s appreciation in welcoming the Chinese delegation and underscored the continued spirit of collaboration and friendship between the two sides.
“The People’s Republic of China’s proven expertise in nuclear energy is an invaluable asset to the African continent. We remain optimistic that our discussion will pave the way for concrete actions and for expanding the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology across Africa,” said Mr. Mboyo.
Delegations from the AFCONE and the People’s Republic of China at AFCONE Headquarters, South Africa – 15 October 2025
The meeting laid the groundwork for collaboration to enhance nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear applications. The parties agreed that nuclear science and technology must be pivotal in driving Africa’s economic development, protecting the environment, and unlocking opportunities across sustainable energy, agriculture, industry, human health, and research. This collaboration will leverage the Treaty of Pelindaba’s explicit support for the beneficial use of nuclear science and technology to help achieve industrial, social, and economic development in Africa.