By Ngozi Egenuka
China‘s remarkable economic rise should serve as both a lesson and a challenge for Africa.
This was part of the statement from Publisher of Africa-China Economy, Ikenna Emewu, calling for Nigeria and the continent to reposition themselves within global trade and production systems.
Drawing from over a decade of reporting on China-Africa relations, Emewu pointed to what he described as “clear and verifiable” indicators of China’s transformation, noting that the country’s GDP has expanded from about $9.3 trillion in 2013 to above $20 trillion currently.
He stressed that such growth reflects long-term planning, disciplined leadership, and policy consistency, rather than chance. Recalling his experience covering China’s development cycles, including the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans, he said China’s strength lies in translating policy discussions into measurable outcomes.
He further highlighted China’s sustained high growth trajectory, averaging about nine per cent over four decades, describing it as unprecedented in modern economic history.
According to him, even China’s slowest growth periods outperform most global economies. He also underscored the country’s diversified wealth base, noting that sectors such as tourism, culture, sports, and manufacturing contribute significantly to national income, with tourism alone generating revenues that rival the GDP of major oil-producing nations.
Emewu warned that Africa’s marginal role in global trade, estimated at about 4 per cent, remains a major concern, especially when compared to Asia’s dominant share.
He also pointed to weak intra-African trade, urging policymakers to focus on production, industrialisation, and value addition.
He said China’s planned zero-tariff policy for African exports presents a rare opportunity, stressing that both raw materials and finished goods from Africa can compete in the Chinese market if properly developed.
He described China’s manufacturing scale as a major opportunity for Africa to integrate into global value chains, rather than a threat.
With thousands of Chinese firms already operating across Nigeria and the continent, he said there is clear evidence of job creation, skills transfer, and industrial expansion.
According to him, African economies must leverage these partnerships strategically to drive long-term growth.
Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, highlighted China’s policy direction following the recent “Two Sessions” in Beijing.
She described the meetings as a critical step toward the implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasising a renewed commitment to high-quality development and global economic integration.
Referencing the Government Work Report presented by Premier Li Qiang, Yun outlined priorities such as expanding market access, particularly in the service sector, strengthening support for foreign enterprises, and deepening international cooperation.
She noted that China’s economy recorded a 5 per cent growth rate, maintaining resilience amid global uncertainties while continuing to lead in manufacturing and innovation.
She also cited remarks by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who reaffirmed China’s commitment to stable foreign policy and strong China-Africa relations.
Yun disclosed that China will implement a zero-tariff regime on all African exports from May 1, a move expected to significantly boost trade and unlock new opportunities for African economies.
Nigeria, she noted, remains a key strategic partner, with ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, trade, and investment.
Major projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lagos–Ibadan Railway were highlighted as examples of successful cooperation delivering tangible economic benefits, including improved logistics, job creation, and enhanced industrial capacity.
Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Joshua Bolarinwa, described the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries as a significant milestone.
He said the relationship has evolved from basic diplomatic engagement in the 1970s into a robust, multidimensional partnership spanning infrastructure, trade, and technology.
According to Bolarinwa, the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges underscores the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, education, and societal interaction in strengthening bilateral ties.
He noted that such initiatives help build mutual understanding and create a solid social foundation for long-term cooperation.
He added that policy directions emerging from China’s 2026 Two Sessions offer valuable insight into the country’s future global role and economic priorities, which will inevitably shape its partnerships with Africa.
While acknowledging the gains of the relationship, he also pointed to concerns around trade imbalances, debt sustainability, and the need for greater local participation, stressing that addressing these issues will be key to ensuring mutual and sustainable benefits.
Lecturer, Chinese Studies Consultant, University of Lagos, Adetoro Banwo, emphasised the growing role of innovation and technology in China-Africa cooperation.
He described artificial intelligence as a strategic driver of global competitiveness and technological independence, noting its transformative impact across sectors.
Banwo highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence into agriculture, explaining that it is reshaping traditional farming into more efficient and sustainable systems.
He also stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges, urging that such initiatives should be rooted in grassroots engagement and guided by shared human values, drawing on the Confucian principle of humanity and universal love.
Chairman, Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Eric Ni, underscored the role of culture in strengthening bilateral ties. He said cultural exchange remains a powerful tool for building bridges between nations, noting that the troupe has consistently promoted mutual understanding through education, scholarships, and community empowerment initiatives.
He outlined upcoming programmes, including the expansion of the Dragon Boat Festival and a nationwide children’s drawing competition, as well as sporting and cultural events designed to engage young Nigerians.
According to him, these initiatives aim to deepen connections between both countries at the grassroots level and foster a new generation of cultural ambassadors.
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