NINGBO, Zhejiang Province, China | July 27, 2026
Ningbo Forum secures strategic partnerships to expand trade, strengthen logistics, attract investment and accelerate industrial cooperation between Africa and China
The Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI) has taken a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria China economic cooperation following the successful hosting of the 2026 Ningbo Africa Trade & Logistics Cooperation Forum, where government officials, investors, manufacturers, logistics operators, financial institutions, researchers and private sector leaders forged strategic partnerships expected to boost trade, improve logistics efficiency and accelerate industrial development across Africa.
The high-level forum, held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China, served as a strategic platform for advancing bilateral cooperation through policy dialogue, business matchmaking, investment promotion and institutional collaboration. The event attracted nearly 200 participants from Nigeria and China and focused on strengthening supply chain connectivity, expanding market access and facilitating investments capable of driving sustainable economic growth across both regions.
Speaking on the significance of the forum, the Executive Director of PAISCI, Dr. Segun Ogunnaike, described the engagement as a defining moment in the evolving economic relationship between Africa and China.
“The evolving global trading environment presents Africa with an unprecedented opportunity to move beyond the traditional export of raw materials towards value addition, industrial production, technology transfer and integrated supply chain development. This forum is not merely about discussing trade; it is about building practical partnerships that will strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy,” Dr. Ogunnaike said.
He noted that China’s recent zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries with diplomatic relations offers Nigeria and other African economies a rare opportunity to expand exports, diversify their production base and increase participation in global value chains. He explained that the policy could significantly improve market access for Nigerian agricultural products, manufactured goods, solid minerals and other value-added products within one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Dr. Segun Ogunnaike stressed that translating these opportunities into measurable economic gains would require deliberate investment in modern transport infrastructure, integrated logistics systems, efficient ports, digital trade platforms and resilient supply chains capable of supporting increased trade volumes.
“China’s zero-tariff policy presents more than a trade incentive; it is a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the rest of Africa to industrialise, improve export competitiveness and strengthen their position in global value chains. To maximise this opportunity, we must invest in efficient logistics systems, modern transport infrastructure and supply chains that connect African producers to international markets,” he stated.
The forum featured presentations on investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, logistics, transport infrastructure, the digital economy and industrial development. Discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic geographic location, expanding consumer market and its unique position as a gateway to West Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Among the major outcomes of the forum was the formalization of strategic partnerships designed to strengthen commercial cooperation between Nigeria and China. These included an agreement on port development cooperation between GK&A Logistics Services Limited and China-base Ningbo Foreign Trade Co., Ltd., as well as a procurement and sales cooperation agreement between Ningbo Shangene Technology Co., Ltd. and Showboy Integrated Limited to facilitate the introduction of graphene textile products into the Nigerian market.
The inauguration of the Ningbo–Yiwu Industrial Collaboration Research and Service Center further underscored the commitment of both countries to strengthening enterprise collaboration, policy implementation, technology transfer, joint research, investment facilitation and talent development.
According to PAISCI, these initiatives are fully aligned with the Institute’s vision of promoting supply chain innovation as a catalyst for industrialization, regional integration and sustainable economic development across Africa.
The Institute observed that Nigeria possesses enormous potential to emerge as West Africa’s leading logistics and distribution hub, connecting global manufacturers with over 400 million consumers across the sub-region. It noted that unlocking this potential will require stronger collaboration among governments, development institutions, financial organizations, manufacturers, logistics providers and the private sector.
“Our vision extends beyond increasing trade volumes. We want to see more industries established, more technology transferred, more young people employed, and more African products processed locally before they reach international markets. When trade creates jobs, strengthens local industries and promotes innovation, it becomes a true catalyst for sustainable development and shared prosperity for both Africa and China,” he added.
As implementation of the agreements begins, PAISCI expressed confidence that the partnerships forged at the Ningbo Forum will strengthen Nigeria–China trade, boost investment, and position Nigeria as a leading logistics and manufacturing hub in Africa. The Institute urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum through effective collaboration and timely implementation.
About PAISCI
The Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI) is a leading research institution dedicated to advancing supply chain excellence, logistics innovation, trade facilitation, industrial development and strategic partnerships that promote sustainable economic growth and regional integration across Africa.
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