Over 200 Chinese investors attend NACCIMA investment forum in Guangzhou

A large turnout of Chinese investors and business leaders has been recorded at the third edition of the Nigeria-China Business and Investment Forum organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Guangzhou, China.

The high-level business forum, held on Monday, November 3, 2026, attracted investors from different sectors, including agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, renewable energy, mineral processing and other industries, signalling growing interest in Nigeria's investment opportunities.

The event was organised in collaboration with the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), the Consulate General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Window of Canton, on the sidelines of the 140th Canton Fair.

Speaking at the forum, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, urged Chinese investors to deepen business relations with Nigeria through increased investments, industrial partnerships and job creation.

He described Nigeria as a strategic investment destination, citing its population of over 200 million people and its access to the wider African market of approximately 1.3 billion people through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, Nigeria and China have maintained diplomatic relations for 55 years, stressing that the next phase of their relationship should focus on tangible economic achievements, including factories, employment opportunities and increased trade.

Ibrahim further identified energy, agriculture, solid minerals, digital technology and healthcare as key sectors offering significant investment opportunities, assuring prospective investors of NACCIMA's readiness to provide guidance and facilitate business partnerships.

Earlier, Nigeria's Consul General in Guangzhou, Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, described the economic relationship between Nigeria and China as one with enormous untapped potential.

She called for a shift from conventional trade, which largely involves exchanging finished products, towards a more productive relationship driven by local manufacturing, technology transfer, industrial development, investment and employment generation.

Abbas also reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy, facilitating trade and investment, and connecting Nigerian businesses with Chinese investors.

She encouraged Chinese investors interested in Nigeria to utilise the Consulate's support services while urging Nigerian businesses to explore available opportunities within China's business environment.

In his remarks, the Vice President of CCPIT Guangzhou, Huang Xiaofeng, welcomed the Nigerian delegation and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Nigeria.

He disclosed that an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CCPIT and NACCIMA would provide a framework for sustaining the business forum and expanding its impact.

Among the prominent Nigerian dignitaries at the event were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; NACCIMA First Deputy President, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, OON; National Vice President, Barrister Jasper Nduagwuike, mni; and President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman.

Others included NACCIMA China Relations Executive, Alhaji Zakirudeen Oladotun; National Public Relations Officer, Hajiah Madinat Adigun-Oladotun; and Special Adviser to the National President, Mr Sulaiman Adoga.

The forum also featured networking sessions and exhibition booths showcasing investment opportunities and projects from organisations such as the University of Ilorin, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations, Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited, Alaro City and UNASCO Aviation Services Limited.

The event is expected to strengthen business connections between Nigerian and Chinese investors while creating opportunities for increased foreign direct investment, technology exchange, industrial growth and economic development in Nigeria.