Yemisi Izuora
Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, recently hosted key stakeholders from the public and private sectors at the maiden edition of its Business Without Borders forum held in Lagos and Abuja, on 25 and 28 August 2026, respectively. The event, themed “Strengthening Nigeria-China partnerships for sustainable growth” brought together business leaders, investors, diplomats, and policymakers to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and strategic collaboration between Nigeria and China.
Speaking at the event, Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to helping businesses expand internationally through tailored financial, advisory, and market access solutions. “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.”
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.
Eric Fajemisin, Executive Director, Corporate and Transaction Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, described the engagement as a compelling demonstration of the strength of the Nigeria-China partnership and the significant opportunities ahead. He remarked, “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.”
In his keynote address delivered at the Lagos event, Li Li, Chief Executive Officer, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Africa, 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 US$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.
During the Abuja event, Yingqi Wang, Minister Counsellor, Economic and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, stated, “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.”
The events in Lagos and Abuja focused on unlocking bilateral trade opportunities, financing infrastructure development, navigating regulatory frameworks, and leveraging China’s expertise to support industrialisation and job creation in Nigeria.
The “Business Without Borders” forum aligns with Stanbic IBTC’s broader Africa-China strategy, aimed at unlocking growth opportunities, promoting cross-border trade, and fostering sustainable development for Nigerian enterprises. The bank’s landmark CNY 800 million term loan agreement with China Development Bank signed in July 2025, which provides direct access to Renminbi liquidity, further solidifies its position as the partner of choice for businesses eager to engage in the expanding economic corridor between Africa and China.
Through its Africa China Trade Solutions (ACTS) platform, Stanbic IBTC continues to connect Nigerian businesses with trusted Chinese suppliers, providing end-to-end support in supplier sourcing, price negotiation, quality assurance, and logistics. The event reinforces Stanbic IBTC’s role as a thought leader and trusted advisor in facilitating international trade, strengthening the economic connections between Nigeria and China, and contributing to the sustainable development of both economies.