Bilateral trade between Nigeria and China has reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35% increase from the previous year. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this information at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This significant growth in trade reflects the deepening economic relationship between the two countries.
According to Ambassador Dunhai, Chinese imports from Nigeria recorded a stronger growth during the period, surging by 81%. He stated that the increase is a result of recent efforts to strengthen the institutional framework for trade, including agreements on economic partnership and aquatic exports. These agreements have provided strong institutional support for trade expansion between the two nations.
China has implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, starting May 1, which has created new opportunities for African exporters. Ambassador Dunhai noted that the impact of this policy was immediate, with China’s imports from Africa growing by 24% in May and June alone. This policy aims to help African countries transform their resource advantages into industrial strength.
The Chinese Ambassador emphasized that China’s approach to Africa is based on equality, mutual benefit, and solidarity. He highlighted that Beijing remains committed to supporting African integration and self-reliant development. China and Africa have built a model of sound cooperation based on equality, mutual benefits, and solidarity, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations.
People-to-people relations between China and Africa are also helping to accelerate the movement of knowledge, technology, and capital. Ambassador Dunhai cited Chinese innovations in areas such as open-source artificial intelligence models, digital payments, and solar energy as examples of technologies that could help address development challenges across the continent.
China and Nigeria have strengthened their relationship over 55 years of diplomatic ties, with both countries moving towards greater practical cooperation. Ambassador Dunhai commended the Tinubu administration’s structural reforms, macroeconomic stabilization, and efforts to improve the business environment, which have created conditions for deeper economic cooperation.
Ambassador Dunhai stated that China is ready to align its development cooperation with the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialization, digital development, green and blue economies. He also invited Nigeria to participate in international cooperation on artificial intelligence and join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to share global tech development.
Key points
- China and Nigeria's bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026.
- Chinese imports from Nigeria surged by 81% in the first half of 2026.
- China has implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, creating new opportunities for African exporters.
