Chinese companies plan to establish Africa’s first local insulin production facility in Nigeria in a bid to end the country’s reliance on imports and position it as a regional centre for biotechnology, The Nation reported. The move comes as diabetes rates surge across the continent.

China’s ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, announced the plan during a reception in Abuja marking the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. He described the initiative as part of a deepening “comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries.

Yu said the project would enable local manufacturing to replace imported insulin and support continent-wide distribution, according to The Nation. 

“Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” he is quoted as saying.

A study published in The Lancet projects that Type 2 diabetes cases in sub-Saharan Africa will more than double to nearly 55mn by 2045. The Nigerian facility could “lower treatment costs” and “expand access to life-saving diabetes medication” across the continent, China Daily reported. 

Yu noted that the project aligned with Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and China’s aim to share “development opportunities” with African partners. He also praised Nigeria’s endorsement of China’s Global Governance Initiative, saying 2025 would be pivotal for China–Africa relations.

Yu cited existing cooperation projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is expected to generate $360bn in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over 45 years, and the Abuja Water Supply Project, completed in June, with daily capacity of 480,000 cubic metres serving nearly 3mn people.

He also pointed to skills transfer and cultural exchange, mentioning Nigeria’s first female train driver trained by a Chinese company and the inclusion of Chinese language in Nigeria’s senior secondary curriculum.

At the event, Senator Babangida Hussaini said bilateral ties had matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership, visible in projects spanning roads, railways, power plants and industrial parks. He called for deeper cooperation under Nigeria’s 10-Year Development Plan and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.