By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An event to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and strategic collaboration between Nigeria and China was recently organised by Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings.
The programme, the Business Without Borders Forum, took place in Lagos and Abuja on August 25 and 28, 2026, respectively.
Present at the programme, themed Strengthening Nigeria-China Partnerships for Sustainable Growth, were business leaders, investors, diplomats, and policymakers.
“As global commerce grows, strategic collaborations beyond borders are vital. Fortifying relationships between Chinese and Nigerian enterprises can accelerate investment, foster innovation, generate employment, and support economic advancement,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Wole Adeniyi, stated.
He emphasised the bank’s role as a financial conduit, facilitating cross-border trade through its partnerships with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Standard Bank Group, and noted that these relationships enable Nigerian businesses to access international markets and growth opportunities more effectively.
The Executive Director of Corporate and Transaction Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Eric Fajemisin, described the engagement as a compelling demonstration of the strength of the Nigeria-China partnership and the significant opportunities ahead.
“Successful collaborations are built on more than just transactions; they are founded on trust, mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a commitment to lasting progress.
“As Nigeria and China deepen their economic and commercial ties, the relationships cultivated through platforms like this will be key in shaping future growth and development,” he stated.
The chief executive of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Africa, Mr Li Li, in his keynote address at the Lagos event, outlined the immense potential of the Nigeria-China economic partnership and the growing role of the Renminbi in facilitating trade and investment.
“China-Africa cooperation in trade, investment, and contracted projects has grown rapidly,” he stated, citing figures that China-Africa trade reached a record $348.052 billion in 2025.
He underscored ICBC’s commitment to supporting this growth through its strategic partnership with Standard Bank Group and its active participation in Africa’s development.
At the Abuja leg of the programme, the Minister Counsellor of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Yingqi Wang, said, “As the largest bank in Africa in which ICBC holds a stake, Standard Bank has a unique advantage.
“It has deep roots in the African market while also being well-connected with resources in China. I hope that Standard Bank will strengthen its engagement with the Chamber, also with full use of its financial experience, deepen resource sharing, complement each other’s strengths, and respond more effectively to the needs of Chinese companies.”
