China has been confirmed as a Strategic Country Partner for the 2026 West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (IMT) Summit and Exhibition, in a move that underscores deepening economic cooperation with Nigeria and the wider region.
The Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce will represent China at the summit, signalling a strategic shift in Nigeria–China relations—from trade expansion to long-term industrial development, local production, and investment.
Trade Relations Hit New Milestone
The partnership comes amid a surge in bilateral trade, which exceeded $22.3 billion in the first ten months of 2025—a 30 percent year-on-year increase. The growth reflects China’s expanding footprint across Nigeria’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and export sectors.
Summit to Drive Industrialisation Agenda
The summit, themed “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity,” is scheduled to hold from March 3 to 5, 2026, at the Landmark Centre.
As both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic and economic relations, policymakers are increasingly focusing on strengthening industrial capacity, boosting local manufacturing, and driving value-added production. Nigerian stakeholders have also urged Chinese investors to establish production bases within local industrial zones to facilitate technology transfer, enhance supply chains, and create jobs.
High-Level Participation Expected
Organisers say the summit will attract top government and industry leaders, including John Enoh, alongside industry ministers from Benin, Senegal, and Ghana.
The event is positioned as a high-level platform to align trade, finance, and industrial policies across West Africa, while fostering stronger international partnerships to accelerate regional economic growth.
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