China’s trade bureau set to partner West Africa IMT summit
China’s Trade Bureau to Partner in West Africa IMT Summit
The Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce has been designated as a Strategic Country Partner for the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition 2026.
Organizers of the summit noted that this partnership signifies a shift in the economic relationship between Nigeria and China, moving from merely increasing trade volumes to focusing on industrial production and long-term investment.
China’s announcement comes during a significant period for bilateral trade, which surpassed $22.3 billion in the first ten months of 2025, representing a 30% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights expanding commercial ties and China’s increasing involvement in Nigeria’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and export sectors.
Set to occur from March 3-5, 2026, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, the summit will be held under the theme “Accelerating West Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Revolution for Economic Prosperity.”
As Nigeria celebrates 55 years of diplomatic and economic relations with China, leaders from both nations have emphasized the importance of transitioning from trade expansion to enhancing industrial capacity, local production, and value-added manufacturing. Nigerian economic officials are advocating for Chinese manufacturers to establish production facilities within Nigeria’s industrial zones, which would facilitate technology transfer, bolster supply chains, and promote job creation.
China’s involvement as a Strategic Country Partner adds a significant diplomatic and commercial aspect to this crucial summit.
Expected attendees include Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, as well as industry ministers from Benin, Senegal, and Ghana, underscoring the summit’s role as a prominent platform for the alignment of trade, finance, and industrial policy.
