In a symbolic celebration of culture, diplomacy, and sustainable development, China and Nigeria marked the 2025 edition of International Tea Day with renewed commitments to agricultural cooperation, cultural exchange, and rural empowerment. The event, held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja and themed “Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon”, drew policymakers, cultural diplomats, and business stakeholders from both nations.
Organised as part of global efforts to recognise the socio-economic value of tea, the celebration served as a platform for strengthening Sino-Nigerian ties through a shared appreciation of cultural harmony and agricultural development.
In his keynote remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, underscored the symbolic power of tea as a vehicle for peace, dialogue, and unity. He noted that the values embodied in tea culture—respect, patience, and cooperation—mirror the long-standing diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.
“Tea is not just a beverage—it is a culture that speaks the language of peace. As we mark International Tea Day, we are reminded that cultural diplomacy can be a cornerstone of stronger bilateral ties,” Dunhai said.
The ambassador also spotlighted the debut of Hainan Baisha tea in Nigeria’s market in 2024 as a step toward more robust agro-trade and investment. He hinted at future collaborations in tea processing, agricultural education, and rural enterprise development.
Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, Permanent Secretary Dr. Muhktar Yawale echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that tea-themed cultural tourism and creative industries present untapped opportunities for rural revitalization and economic diversification.
“Tea can become a channel for rural employment and cultural branding. We are actively exploring ways to integrate tea festivals, artisanal markets, and agro-tourism into our national creative economy plan,” Dr. Yawale said.
His views were echoed by Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, who described tea as “a universal symbol of peace and patience.” She praised the event for promoting inter-cultural dialogue and strengthening grassroots social cohesion.
Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), represented by Alhaji Suleiman Musa, lauded the initiative as a chance to showcase Nigeria’s cultural openness on the world stage.
“Cultural diplomacy has a powerful role in shaping global perceptions and unlocking investment. This event helps us tell our story to the world through tea,” Musa remarked.
The Yaji Cultural Salon featured a rich blend of traditional Chinese performances, including the iconic Yue Opera, pipa music, calligraphy demonstrations, and Chinese painting exhibitions. Guests were treated to tea-tasting sessions showcasing both Chinese and locally infused varieties—highlighting how tea traditions from both nations could blend to create new economic value.
Tea, which supports millions of smallholder farmers globally, was designated by the United Nations as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating poverty and empowering rural women. For Nigeria, embracing tea not just as a cultural artefact but as an agribusiness opens doors to export diversification, agro-processing, and youth entrepreneurship.
Experts estimate that Nigeria’s tea consumption is growing at an annual rate of 6%, with urban demand driving imports. Analysts argue that local production—supported by partnerships like the one with China—can meet rising domestic demand and open up export channels to West African markets.
According to 2024 trade data, agricultural cooperation between China and Nigeria has expanded steadily, with China now among Nigeria’s top partners in the import of farm tools, fertilizers, and agribusiness machinery. The new focus on tea, experts say, could serve as a niche industry to bolster both exports and cultural tourism.
There are already talks of establishing tea research centres and pilot farms in Nigeria’s central and eastern states, with support from Chinese agro-investors. Additionally, cultural exchange programs and bilateral festivals are expected to play a role in boosting people-to-people diplomacy.
As China and Nigeria continue to align their agricultural and cultural aspirations, tea emerges as more than a diplomatic gesture—it becomes a vessel for economic empowerment, mutual understanding, and sustainable development. On this International Tea Day, the humble cup of tea became a symbol of an evolving partnership with profound potential.