Nigeria, China Collaborate on Innovation, Skills Development, Economic Transformation

By: Olufemi Orunsola

In a new significant entrepreneurship revolution move, critical stakeholders from China and Nigeria have converged on Lagos to forge new partnerships in industry, education, and technology at the inauguration of Africa’s first InfoValley Industry-Education Integration Park.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the new move came through a symposium which took place in Lagos State, bringing together, representatives from the academia in Nigeria and China, vocational institutions, industry chambers and private enterprises, aimed to explored pathways to align Nigeria’s industrial priorities with China’s experience in independent innovation, vocational training, and sustainable development.

The event was graced by the Deputy General Manager, China-Africa Free Zone Company, Ogun-guangdong Free Trade Zone, Kevin Liu, Deputy President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry(LCCI), Engr. Leye Kupoluyi among other stakeholders from different sectors and private enterprises.

OTN News reports as gathered that the partnership established a high-tech industrial cluster in Lagos, designed to adapt China’s proven technological frameworks to Nigerian contexts, Integrate vocational training with industrial innovation, Cultivate locally rooted talent and enterprises.

Speaking with journalists at the symposium, the Managing Director of InfoValley Industry-Education Integration Technology Co., LTD, Chen Peter revealed that the partnership goes beyond trade, noting that it seeks to foster innovation, skills development, and economic transformation, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.

In his words, "It’s not just about selling Chinese brands or products in Nigeria. We respect the cultures and values of both nations and aim to build a unique local brand in collaboration with Nigerian partners”.

Peter further explained that Nigeria being leading role in ECOWAS, the China and Nigeria partnership would have a far-reaching impact on regional industrialization, digital economy, education, and technology.

In his own speech, the Deputy President of LCCI, Engr. Kupoluyi commended the establishment of an innovation hub to train Nigerian talents in ICT, therefore urged stakeholders to harness knowledge-based economies to drive progress in agriculture, infrastructure, education and renewable energy.

"We need to ask ourselves, how do we get our people trained? How do we develop our skills to improve agriculture, infrastructure, and energy solutions? If we work together and expand trade across Africa, prosperity will be widespread and sustainable,” he stated.

Earlier, in his address, the Deputy General Manager, China-Africa Free Zone Company, Ogun-guangdong Free Trade Zone, Kevin Liu, hinted that the symposium aims to drive technological advancement, enhance employment opportunities, and support industrial upgrading, paving the way for long-term prosperity in the region.