The 2025 “two sessions” in China, a gathering of the country’s National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), hold significant global policy importance, which, if properly understood, can unlock key opportunities for nations like Nigeria. These annual sessions, typically lasting for about ten days, bring together lawmakers and political advisors to discuss the country’s socio-economic priorities for the coming year.
In March 2025, the focus of China’s two sessions was clear: economic growth, technological innovation, and global diplomatic engagement. This year’s meetings were especially poignant for African nations, given the increasing strategic importance of China on the continent. On March 14, at the Lagos Forum Think Tank and Media Dialogue, a gathering hosted by the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan ‘Uche’ Yuqing, analysts, economists, policymakers and media professionals came together to unpack and dissect the outcomes of China’s two sessions. The focus of the meeting was not just on the internal policy shifts in China but also on the broader ramifications for countries like Nigeria. As one of China’s most important trade partners in Africa, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to benefit from China’s long-term policy directions, especially given the country’s increasing role as a global economic leader.
This year’s discussions emphasised China’s commitment to global economic stability, technological innovation, and the expansion of international trade—goals that resonate deeply with Nigeria’s own socio-economic aspirations. The two sessions outlined China’s vision for 2025, including ambitious targets for GDP growth, technological advancements, and strategic industries, all of which are set to reshape the global economic order. For Nigeria, these changes hold significant implications.
The central highlight of the 2025 two sessions was the announcement of China’s GDP growth target for the year, set at “around 5 percent.” At a glance, this may appear modest given China’s immense scale as the world’s second-largest economy. However, the target represents a careful balancing act between global uncertainties and China’s domestic realities, reflecting a pragmatic approach to economic management. This growth target is seen as essential not only for stabilising employment but also for improving livelihoods and enhancing China’s global competitiveness.
Shen Danyang, the head of the group responsible for drafting the work report, explained that the target was based on a comprehensive understanding of “China’s actual conditions and the laws governing economic development.” He stressed that the goal was designed to strike a balance between pursuing robust growth and addressing the challenges posed by global economic volatility. The country’s GDP surpassed 130 trillion Yuan in 2024, contributing approximately 30 per cent to global economic growth. This foundational strength, bolstered by a “supersized market, complete industrial system, and abundant human resources,” provides China with the resilience needed to navigate ongoing challenges.
For Nigeria, the 5 per cent growth target is a reminder that steady, sustainable economic growth—rather than rapid, unsustainable booms—is the path toward long-term prosperity. Analysts believe Nigeria, with its history of fluctuating growth rates, could learn from China’s methodical approach. In particular, the emphasis on improving employment levels, curbing economic risks, and raising incomes provides a clear blueprint for Nigeria to follow. Unlike the Chinese model, Nigeria has struggled to institutionalise long-term, data-driven policy planning. This lesson from China’s pragmatic approach to growth—built around long-term stability and not short-term gains—should be a key takeaway for Nigerian policymakers. The targeted GDP growth rate is also significant because it aligns with China’s broader goals of increasing international competitiveness while managing internal socio-economic pressures. For Nigeria, strengthening its economic foundations through diversification and industrial upgrading could serve as a path to avoid the resource-driven stagnation that has historically plagued its growth trajectory.
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the 2025 two sessions was China’s ambitious vision for technological development. Premier Li Qiang’s government work report detailed China’s commitment to leading the world in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and green technologies. Specifically, the government aims to integrate AI into its industrial framework through the “AI Plus” initiative, which will promote the large-scale application of AI models in manufacturing, transportation, and even public services.
According to the government’s report, China will also focus on fostering industries of the future, including bio-manufacturing, quantum technology, and 6G networks. These technologies are expected to form the backbone of China’s industrial innovation and long-term economic growth. As noted by China’s technology experts, the country is already making significant strides in high-tech manufacturing, with sectors such as new energy vehicles and quantum computing showing rapid growth. China’s focus on innovation is not merely about improving existing industries. It is about setting the stage for the next wave of technological revolutions that will shape the global economy for decades to come.
For Nigeria, these advancements present both opportunities and challenges. The nation’s growing digital economy and investment in tech start-ups are promising, but Nigeria lags behind China in terms of technological infrastructure and investment in emerging sectors like AI and quantum computing. Nigerian policymakers and business leaders should take note of China’s emphasis on integrating digital technologies into every aspect of the economy. Building up Nigeria’s technological base—especially in AI, blockchain and new energy sectors—will be crucial for its future competitiveness. One clear lesson is the importance of aligning technological advancement with industrial policy. Nigeria must develop a national framework that encourages innovation while simultaneously investing in the infrastructure and human capital required to support such breakthroughs. Collaborative efforts with countries like China in areas such as AI and green energy can offer a model for how Nigeria might fast-track its digital transformation, creating an innovation-driven economy in the long run.
Another key theme emerging from China’s two sessions is the nation’s evolving diplomatic strategy. Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s address during the forum reinforced China’s commitment to global leadership and multilateralism. Wang emphasised China’s role in fostering a more equitable global order, particularly in light of the growing insularity in countries like the United States. He said, “China will provide certainty to this uncertain world,” positioning China as a leader in promoting peace, stability, and global governance. This assertion is especially important in the context of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Nigeria, as a leading power in Africa, must navigate the delicate balance between its historical relationships with Western powers and its growing ties with China. The Chinese Foreign Minister’s rhetoric on multilateralism is a reminder that the global order is shifting, and Nigeria must adjust its diplomatic priorities accordingly.
For Nigeria, aligning itself with China’s multilateral approach could mean greater influence on the global stage. As a nation that is still navigating its place within the global geopolitical landscape, Nigeria has much to gain from China’s emphasis on cooperative international frameworks. Leveraging its strategic relationship with China could offer Nigeria the opportunity to secure a greater voice in global governance, particularly within international organizations such as the United Nations. Furthermore, China’s growing presence in Africa and its assertion that “Africa is a fertile land of hope” could provide Nigeria with new avenues for economic collaboration and investment. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to improve global infrastructure, could be a key tool for Nigeria’s development if properly leveraged.
Perhaps the most critical takeaway from the two sessions for Nigeria is the emphasis China places on structured, time-bound policy planning. As Professor Efem Ubi from the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) rightly pointed out, China’s development plans—especially its five-year plans—are strategic, clear, and focused on tangible, measurable outcomes. Ubi observed that Nigeria’s past development plans have often faltered because they lacked clear, realistic targets and the necessary institutional frameworks to ensure successful implementation. For Nigeria to achieve sustained economic growth and development, it must learn from China’s structured approach to policy planning. This includes setting realistic targets, periodically assessing progress, and adjusting strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. A more disciplined approach to economic planning—similar to China’s—would allow Nigeria to manage its vast resources more efficiently and steer the country toward diversification, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.
Ms. Yan Yuqing, China’s Consul General in Lagos, echoed the sentiment of deeper bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China. The two nations have long enjoyed a symbiotic relationship, with China being Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Africa. Yan Yuqing emphasized that as China moves toward “high-quality development,” it will continue to support Nigeria’s growth through strategic partnerships and investments. China’s investment in infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation and energy, has already had a significant impact on Nigeria. However, the partnership must evolve beyond infrastructure and trade into areas such as technology transfer, education, and industrial collaboration. By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can ensure that it maximizes the benefits of its relationship with China.
As China continues to assert itself as a global economic and political powerhouse, the implications for Nigeria are profound. The 2025 two sessions revealed China’s ongoing commitment to economic growth, technological innovation, and multilateral diplomacy—all of which have significant consequences for Nigeria’s own development trajectory. For Nigeria, the lessons from China’s methodical economic planning, technological foresight, and diplomatic strategies provide valuable insights into how it might accelerate its own growth and influence in the global economy. Ultimately, the future of China-Nigeria relations hinges on Nigeria’s ability to adapt to changing global dynamics, learn from China’s successes, and develop its own strategy for modernisation. By aligning its goals with China’s long-term vision, Nigeria can transform its socio-economic landscape and ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for its citizens.
