China has formally received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of Nigeria and South Africa, marking the beginning of their diplomatic assignments in Beijing.
Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Protocol Department of China’s Foreign Ministry, Hong Lei, accepted copies of the credentials presented by Nigeria’s new ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, and South Africa’s new ambassador, Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.
The ceremony took place on May 29, 2026, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Dambazau arrived in China on May 23, while Ambassador Letsatsi-Duba arrived on May 27 ahead of the presentation of their credentials.
The acceptance of copies of credentials is a formal diplomatic procedure that enables newly appointed ambassadors to begin their official duties in the host country pending the presentation of their letters of credence to the Head of State.
Hong Lei welcomed the two diplomats on behalf of the Chinese government and protocol authorities during the ceremony.
The appointment of the new envoys comes as China continues to strengthen diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with African countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, two of the continent’s largest economies and key partners in Beijing’s engagement with Africa.
Nigeria and China maintain longstanding bilateral relations covering trade, infrastructure, investment, education and cultural exchanges, while South Africa remains one of China’s most significant partners on the African continent.
