Nigeria-China trade rises 35% to $17.4bn in six months

Trade between Nigeria and China surged by 35 percent to $17.4 billion in the first half of 2026, according to Yang Jianxing, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. This growth was driven by a 81 percent increase in Nigeria's exports to China, which reached $2.25 billion. The Director attributed this growth to China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Nigeria, which has created new opportunities for increased exports to the Chinese market.

China's imports from Africa also reached $28.5 billion between May and June, marking a 23.5 percent increase year-on-year. Yang noted that imports of African aquatic products, textile raw materials, and specialty fruits experienced double-digit growth. He highlighted that bilateral trade between China and Nigeria in the same period reached $17.4 billion, with China's imports from Nigeria increasing by 81 percent.

The Director also discussed China's proposed principles for cooperation with Africa, including respect for sovereignty, mutual benefit, high-quality development, and a fair investment environment. The launch of the China-Nigeria Bridge Chinese Radio Programme, which featured 10 episodes and aimed to promote cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people relations, was also highlighted.

The Mandarin Service of the Voice of Nigeria, which now broadcasts in 10 languages, including Mandarin, was another strategic development discussed, further strengthening Nigeria's international communication and projection of its culture and national interests.