On June 10th, 2025, just two days before the opening of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo,the high-level CAETE delegation comprised over 20 distinguished members, including H.E. Louise Mvono(Gabon’s Minister of Planning and Development),H.E. Maurice Ntossui Allogo(Gabon’s Minister of Water, Forests and Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution), H.E. Mauricio Epuga Obama(Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to China) visited Ningxiang site of CNGR. The visit marked an insightful exploration of technological innovation and industrial development.This exchange not only served as a prelude to the upcoming China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo but also laid a broader foundation for future in-depth cooperation between the two sides in the new energy sector.
Accompanying the delegation were Liu Jinwen(Vice Chairman of the Changsha Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference); Zhou Huaiguo( Director of the European Affairs Division of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Hunan Provincial Committee); Duan Haibo(Deputy Director of the Changsha Municipal Office of Foreign Affairs); Zheng Qi, (Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Management Committee of Ningxiang Economic Development Zone); Shen Mingchun( Vice Mayor of Ningxiang City) and other relevant officials from provincial and municipal foreign affairs departments. Representing CNGR were Liu Yi,(Vice President of the company) and Dong Bengang( General Manager of CNGR’s Ningxiang site), who provided a detailed reception and briefing.
The delegation toured key facilities including the CNGR Technology Exhibition Hall and Global R&D Center, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company’s development history, technological innovations, and global industrial footprint. At the Technology Exhibition Hall, Liu Yi highlighted the battery materials industrial ecosystem encompassing “resource development, intelligent material manufacturing, and global recycling”along with the company’s worldwide industrial layout built around this ecosystem. The delegation listened attentively, expressing sincere admiration for CNGR’s ecologically sustainable and globally integrated development. They frequently inquired about CNGR’s existing and planned industrial presence in Africa, exploring potential avenues for deeper collaboration.
Upon learning that the first production line of CNGR’s Morocco project for new energy precursor materials commenced operations in January this year, the delegation expressed strong interest. In 2023, CNGR signed a contract with Al MADA to jointly invest in an integrated battery materials site in Morocco. This initiative not only marks a crucial step in global expansion strategy but also serves as a prime example of China’s high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and deepened China-Africa collaboration.Moreover, the ongoing operation of this project will enhance Africa’s role and influence in the global battery supply chain. By leveraging Morocco’s abundant phosphate and cobalt resources, the project strengthens overseas industrial footprint of CNGR while supporting the region’s transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
The delegation then proceeded to CNGR Global R&D Center, a hub integrating “basic research, process development, application innovation, and engineering development” for new energy materials. With a team of over 1,000 researchers, the center serves as the core engine of relentless innovation. During the tour of the R&D facilities, the delegation immersed themselves in the R&D workshops, experiencing firsthand the dynamic environment of new energy materials innovation. Liu Yi elaborated on latest breakthroughs in nickel, cobalt, manganese, phosphorus, and sodium-based materials. Notably, CNGR invested over RMB 1 billion annually in R&D in both 2023 and 2024. Thanks to this sustained high-intensity investment, the company has maintained its global leadership in nickel and cobalt-based materials for five consecutive years, with shipment volumes ranking first worldwide. Meanwhile, its phosphorus and sodium-based materials continue to solidify their competitive edge, placing CNGR in the industry’s top tier. In addition, CNGR has forged partnerships with domestic and international solid-state battery clients, achieving certification and commencing large-scale supply at the hundred-ton level for new products.
During the visit, delegation members engaged in extensive discussions with CNGR’s R&D team regarding production technologies and product applications. Both sides expressed strong interest in future cooperation within the battery materials sector.Africa’s abundant mineral resources and CNGR’s technological & market expertise form a perfect complementary partnership. Moreover, the investment experience and technical advantages gained through Morocco project of CNGR will provide strong support for expanding future collaborations across Africa. This synergy not only aligns with CNGR’s global strategy but also contributes to Africa’s growing role in the global new energy value chain. The visit concluded on a forward-looking note, with both parties exploring concrete steps to translate this shared vision into actionable projects that combine African resources with Chinese innovation.
The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Hunan Provincial People’s Government, stands as one of the most significant economic and trade cooperation platforms under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Having successfully held three sessions in 2019, 2021, and 2023, the fourth edition of CAETE is scheduled to take place in Changsha from June 12th to 15th, 2025, under the theme “China and Africa in Joint Action: Pursuing Modernization Together.” The visit by the African delegation ahead of CAETE 2025 underscores CNGR’s active participation in China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. As the expo approaches, CNGR will leverage its Morocco project as a benchmark case, adopting an even more open approach to collaborate with African partners. The company aims to explore further cooperation opportunities in the new energy materials sector, continuing to contribute to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and fostering deeper China-Africa economic and trade relations. Through these efforts, CNGR is committed to driving mutual growth and playing a pivotal role in advancing the prosperity and progress of the global battery industry. By combining Africa’s resource advantages with CNGR’s technological and market expertise, both sides can jointly usher in a new era of sustainable development and shared success.