By Queen Kunde
A powerful team of German “hidden champions” has landed in Lagos, seeking strong business partnerships with Nigerian companies in a move aimed at deepening trade ties between both countries.
The delegation from Rheinland-Pfalz, a leading industrial state in southern Germany, arrived on Tuesday and will remain in Nigeria’s commercial capital until Friday for high-level meetings and strategic matchmaking with local business leaders. These companies, though mostly small and medium-sized enterprises, are global leaders in specialized fields ranging from winemaking to construction and industrial machinery.
The visit was formally welcomed at a networking reception hosted by the German Consulate General in Lagos, where German and Nigerian business executives met to explore opportunities.
Head of delegation Dr. Joe Weingarten described Nigeria as an increasingly important economic partner, noting that it ranks as the fourth strongest trading partner of Rheinland-Pfalz in Africa, after Egypt, Algeria and South Africa. He said the visit marks the first formal outreach by the German state to Nigeria and reflects growing recognition of Nigeria’s large population, expanding economy and strategic importance.
Germany’s Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, expressed optimism about the future of German-Nigerian relations, saying German businesses are looking ahead to 2026 with confidence. He explained that the approach begins with encouraging direct business-to-business partnerships, which can later grow into deeper and more lasting cooperation between both countries.
Renewable energy emerged as a key focus of the discussions. Weingarten highlighted that about 60 percent of electricity production in Rheinland-Pfalz comes from renewable sources, despite the state being heavily industrialized. He said German companies have experience not only in generating wind and solar power but also in building systems that ensure reliable electricity supply around the clock expertise he believes could support Nigeria’s energy ambitions.
German officials stressed that Nigeria is no longer viewed simply as an export market. The goal now, they said, is to build balanced relationships that include production and investment on both sides. For partnerships to succeed long term, Weingarten emphasized, both countries must see clear economic benefits.
Krull also announced that more German business delegations are expected in Nigeria within the first half of 2026, focusing on agro-food, ICT, solar energy storage, construction and infrastructure. He reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and building on decades of industrial ties, pointing to the long history of German-made vehicles assembled in Lagos and classic German electronics brands that once shaped Nigerian households.
As talks continue this week, both sides are hopeful that the visit will spark new deals, fresh investments and stronger economic bonds between Germany and Nigeria.
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