Nigeria strengthens bilateral ties with China and Zambia

Nigeria is actively strengthening its bilateral ties with both China and Zambia, focusing on economic diplomacy, trade, and investment.

During a reception in Abuja marking China’s 77th National Day, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed a commitment to deepening relations in sectors such as energy, technology, and industrialization. He noted that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, a 35 per cent increase. Yu also highlighted China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which aims to support industrial capacity and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Emerging areas of cooperation include artificial intelligence, digital payments, and renewable energy.

In Zambia, Nigeria’s new High Commissioner, Queen Efe Alexandra Clark-Omeru, presented her credentials to President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in aviation, tourism, and investment. Clark-Omeru highlighted the existing presence of Nigerian businesses in Zambia, such as Dangote Cement and Access Bank, and emphasized the importance of promoting Nigeria’s economic interests through stronger government-to-government and people-to-people exchanges.