Shanghai, China | November 6, 2025
Nigeria has taken centre stage at the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where it is being celebrated as the Guest Country of Honor, highlighting its growing role as a key trade and investment partner in China’s engagement with Africa.
The event, which officially opened on Wednesday, drew global attention to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial potential, with the country’s rich array of farm products — from cocoa and cashew to sesame, ginger, and hibiscus — being described as the “golden key” to unlocking greater access to the vast Chinese market.
Nigeria Showcases Strength at Shanghai Expo
The Nigerian delegation, led by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, inaugurated the country’s national pavilion, which features displays of premium agricultural produce, solid minerals, textiles, and creative arts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Uzoka-Anite said Nigeria’s participation as a Guest Country of Honor underscores the deepening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and technology transfer.
“This year’s Expo provides Nigeria with a strategic opportunity to showcase our finest agricultural and industrial products to the Chinese market. We are here to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen our economic diplomacy,” the minister stated.
China Praises Nigeria’s Economic Potential
In his address, Chinese Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, praised Nigeria’s commitment to economic reform and diversification, describing it as one of Africa’s most promising markets.
“Nigeria is an important strategic partner of China. Its agricultural and industrial potential align perfectly with China’s demand for high-quality imports. We welcome Nigeria’s participation as a Guest Country of Honor and look forward to stronger collaboration,” Wang said.
He emphasized that China views its relationship with Nigeria as mutually beneficial, noting that bilateral trade between the two countries has grown steadily over the past decade.
According to official figures, China–Nigeria trade volume exceeded $26 billion in 2024, making Nigeria China’s largest trading partner in Africa.
‘Golden Key’ to the Chinese Market
At the Nigerian pavilion, visitors were treated to a vibrant display of locally sourced products including cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, palm oil, and leather goods.
Chinese buyers and investors showed particular interest in Nigeria’s agricultural produce, which they described as “premium quality” and suitable for China’s expanding consumer market.
“Nigeria’s farm products are a golden key to the Chinese market,” said Liu Hongwei, a Shanghai-based importer attending the Expo. “Chinese consumers increasingly prefer organic and naturally grown products — and Nigeria has what the market needs.”
The exhibition also featured live food demonstrations by Nigerian chefs and cultural performances showcasing the country’s diversity and creative energy.
Boosting Agricultural Exports and Bilateral Trade
Minister Uzoka-Anite said Nigeria is focused on increasing its non-oil exports to China, leveraging agricultural commodities as a key driver of foreign exchange earnings.
“Our goal is to deepen value addition, strengthen export quality standards, and connect Nigerian farmers and processors directly with Chinese buyers. We want a win–win partnership built on mutual trust,” she said.
She added that the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) have partnered with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to facilitate direct business matchmaking between Nigerian exporters and Chinese importers.
Bilateral Business Forum and MoUs Signed
On the sidelines of the Expo, a Nigeria–China Business Forum was held, attracting over 200 Chinese companies from sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, digital economy, and logistics.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Nigerian and Chinese firms covering:
- Cocoa and cashew processing partnerships,
- Joint ventures in fertilizer production,
- Agricultural mechanization projects, and
- Renewable energy collaboration.
The deals are expected to generate thousands of jobs in Nigeria while expanding China’s access to high-quality African products.
“This marks a new era in Nigeria–China trade relations,” said Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda, Nigeria’s envoy to China. “China’s market of over 1.4 billion people presents an enormous opportunity for our exporters. The government is determined to seize it.”
President Tinubu Commends Partnership
In a goodwill message delivered virtually, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for honoring Nigeria at this year’s Expo, describing the recognition as “a testament to Nigeria’s resilience, innovation, and growing economic importance.”
“Nigeria is ready for business. Our partnership with China is built on shared prosperity, mutual respect, and economic transformation. We welcome Chinese investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s abundant opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and digital innovation,” Tinubu said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, ease of doing business, and foreign investment protection, noting that Nigeria remains open for trade and innovation.
China–Nigeria Trade Relations in Numbers
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and China’s Ministry of Commerce show that trade between both nations continues to expand:
- China exports to Nigeria totaled $20.6 billion in 2024, largely consisting of machinery, electronics, and manufactured goods.
- Nigeria’s exports to China reached $5.4 billion, mainly crude oil, liquefied natural gas, agricultural commodities, and solid minerals.
- Over 60 Chinese companies currently operate in Nigeria, employing more than 200,000 Nigerians directly and indirectly.
Focus on Agricultural Modernization
Minister Uzoka-Anite told journalists that Nigeria is working closely with Chinese institutions to modernize its agricultural value chains through mechanization, irrigation, and storage technologies.
“Our farmers need access to tools and technology to compete globally. China has offered to support Nigeria through training, equipment supply, and technology exchange,” she said.
She also revealed that discussions are ongoing for the establishment of a Nigeria–China Agricultural Processing Zone that will host agro-industries dedicated to cashew, sesame, and cocoa processing for export.
Cultural and Creative Collaboration
Beyond trade, Nigeria also used the platform to promote its creative economy, with artists, fashion designers, and filmmakers participating in side exhibitions and panel sessions.
The Nigerian pavilion drew large crowds with displays of Adire fabrics, bronze sculptures, Afrobeats performances, and Nollywood film clips, highlighting Nigeria’s growing global cultural influence.
“Cultural diplomacy is an important bridge in Nigeria–China relations. Through arts, fashion, and film, we strengthen understanding between our peoples,” said Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Analysts See Positive Outlook
Trade analysts and economists say Nigeria’s recognition as a Guest Country of Honor at CIIE 2025 is a strategic win for Africa’s largest economy.
Dr. Ngozi Odigbo, an international trade expert, said the exposure would “enhance investor confidence and accelerate export diversification.”
“China’s market is massive. For Nigeria, this is an opportunity to expand its agricultural export base, attract Chinese manufacturing investment, and reduce its dependence on crude oil,” she said.
She added that with improved logistics, better port infrastructure, and export financing, Nigeria could soon become a major supplier of agricultural commodities to Asia.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s presence at the 2025 China International Import Expo signals a renewed drive to strengthen economic ties with one of its most important partners.
With its rich agricultural endowment, creative talent, and reform-driven leadership, Nigeria is positioning itself as a top destination for trade and investment in Africa.
“This Expo is not just about trade — it’s about building lasting bridges of friendship and prosperity between our nations,” Minister Uzoka-Anite concluded.
