NGX, SEC Strengthen Ties with China to Boost Cross-Border Capital Market Investments

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are intensifying efforts to position Nigeria as a gateway for Chinese investment into Africa by leveraging capital market diplomacy. Their latest move came at the China-Africa CEO Dialogue held during the 4th China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha. The event, hosted by Choice International Group in collaboration with NGX, brought together key Chinese and African financial stakeholders to discuss investment collaboration.

At the dialogue, NGX Group CEO, Temi Popoola, emphasized that strengthening capital market ties with China could unlock new investment corridors. He highlighted ongoing engagements with the Shanghai and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges aimed at enabling Chinese firms to raise funds locally through various instruments. This strategy, he noted, would reduce exposure to currency and operational risks while spurring growth in sectors like ICT, manufacturing, and automotive.

Popoola also pointed out that financial flows are often a weak link in China-Africa relations. He argued that opening structured investment corridors will not only enhance capital flow but also support Nigeria’s broader economic diversification goals. His message was clear: Nigeria seeks to be a strategic hub for Chinese investments into the continent.

On the regulatory side, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring a secure and transparent investment climate. He assured potential investors that Nigeria offers both the framework and regulatory protection necessary for confidence and justice. He stressed the importance of credibility and fairness in market regulation, acknowledging that while risk is inevitable in business, transparency can mitigate it.

Rounding off the event, NGX Group Chairman Umaru Kwairanga affirmed that the capital market is essential to Africa’s long-term development. He praised the China engagement as part of NGX’s vision to connect Nigerian markets to global capital and innovation. Both NGX and SEC pledged continued outreach, positioning capital markets as a foundation for trade, industrialization, and technology exchange between China and Africa.

Source: The Sun