- Exhibitors: Over 250 Chinese manufacturers and suppliers across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, electronics, textiles, construction materials, home appliances, and technology.
- Attendees: More than 5,000 Nigerian business representatives, entrepreneurs, and investors.
- Activities: Product exhibitions (Huawei, ZTE), trade matchmaking sessions, business seminars, and networking opportunities.
Business News
China-Nigeria 2025 Expo to Deepen Trade Ties
Nigeria and China are set to boost trade ties through the 2025 edition of the China Commodities Expo-Nigeria.
Over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business representatives are expected to participate.
Brightway International Exhibition is organizing the expo with the Trade Development Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
The 2025 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria will take place from November 5 to 7.
The Chinese Consulate in Lagos and various Nigerian government agencies will also support the expo.
Amid rising global trade disruptions, China and Nigeria are deepening their bilateral trade ties.
Since its inception in 2007, the China-Nigeria expo has showcased various Chinese products and technologies. Thus, the 2025 expo will help facilitate economic and trade ties between China and Nigeria.
| Year | Date | Location | Key Features | Notable Participants/Highlights |
| 2024 | Nov 5-8 | Landmark Centre, Lagos | Agricultural technology, machinery, and innovation | Shandong Zhenghe International Exhibition |
| 2023 | Nov 7–10 | Landmark Centre, Lagos | 200+ Chinese exhibitors, sectors like agri-equipment, electronics, finance | Zedvance Finance, major suppliers from Shandong, Zhejiang, Fujian |
| 2019 | Nov 6–9, | Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos | Focus on industrial equipment, palm oil processing tech | Henan Doing Machinery showcased palm oil equipment |
| 2018 | Nov 6–9, | Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos | 1,600+ companies from around the world, emphasis on Sino-African cooperation | Chinese manufacturers from textile, machinery, electronics sectors |
What to Expect from the 2025 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria
Fast Fact: China-Nigeria Trade
- Total Trade (2023): $21.8 billion
- China’s exports to Nigeria: $20.18 billion
- Nigeria’s exports to China: $1.61 billion
- China’s Main Exports: Machinery, electronics, textiles, construction materials, and consumer goods.
- Nigeria’s Main Exports to China: Crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), agricultural products (sesame seeds, cocoa, cashew nuts), and solid minerals.
China’s Investments in Nigeria
The 2025 expo was announced during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a major multilateral platform for diplomatic and economic cooperation between China and all 54 African countries. The forum allows Nigeria and China to discuss trade, investment, infrastructure, and development partnerships.
China is Africa’s largest trading partner ($282 billion in 2023). Key Chinese imports from Africa include crude oil, minerals, and agricultural products. Major Chinese exports to Africa include machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
China has been increasing its investment in Nigeria in recent years. Over $1.5 billion has been invested in key projects such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone.
Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) is a special economic zone established by China in the Lekki Peninsula, near Lagos. Its key industrial focus includes manufacturing, logistics, oil and gas, trade, and services. As such, the economic zone is home to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Airport (under construction). The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) is a China-Nigeria joint trade zone in Ogun State to boost manufacturing and export processing.
| Feature | Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) | Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) |
| Location | Lekki, Lagos | Igbesa, Ogun State |
| Key Industries | Oil & gas, heavy manufacturing, logistics, petrochemicals | Light manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, agro processing |
| Infrastructure | Deep-sea port, refinery, gas pipelines, better power | Industrial parks, relies more on roads |
| Access to Port | Direct access to Lekki Deep Sea Port | Relies on Lagos ports (Apapa/Tin Can) |
| Strengths | High-growth industrial hub, port-linked, large-scale projects | Lower costs, proximity to Lagos markets |
| Best For | Large industries, oil & gas, export-oriented manufacturing | Light industries, Chinese investors, cost-sensitive businesses |
Many Chinese companies now operate in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics within Nigeria.