the Way to Open up the African Market of 1.4 Billion People 突发！非洲重要港口起重机起火！如何打开14亿人的非洲市场？

Image Credit: the Internet

图片源于网络

Reports indicate that over the weekend, the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) took control of a significant fire incident at a crane in the Apapa Port in Lagos.

据报道，当地时间上周末，尼日利亚港口管理局（NPA）控制了拉各斯阿帕帕港口起重机发生的一起重大火灾。

Relevant parties have stated that the fire did not result in any casualties and did not affect the port's operations. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

相关人士表示，火灾没有造成人员伤亡，并且未影响该港口的运营。起火原因还在调查中。

Resources and Opportunities in the African Market

全世界都看见了14亿人的非洲市场

Africa is rich in natural mineral resources, with reserves of oil, rare metals, gold, cobalt, copper, diamonds, and more, ranking among the top in the world, and is gradually becoming an important role in global trade. Africa has numerous world-class ports, among which Tangier Port, Said Port, Durban Port, Lekki Port, Ngqura Port, Abidjan Port, Casablanca Port, Mombasa Port, Doraleh Port, and Tema Port are the ten largest ports in Africa.

非洲拥有丰富的自然矿产资源，石油、稀有金属、黄金、钴、铜、钻石等存储量位居世界前列，正逐渐成为全球贸易的重要节点。非洲拥有众多世界级港口，其中丹吉尔港、塞得港、德班港、莱基港、恩古拉港、阿比让港、卡萨布兰卡港、蒙巴萨港、多拉雷港和特马港是非洲最大的10个港口。

Due to abundant natural resources, a young population structure, and rapid urbanization, there are now a lot of fields of opportunity in Africa. Industries such as mineral processing, agriculture and agricultural product processing, automotive manufacturing, textiles, building materials, chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, and new energy are becoming new frontiers for Chinese companies going global.

丰富的自然资源、年轻的人口结构和快速的城市化进程，非洲出现了大量的“时光机红利”。如矿产加工业、农业和农产品加工业、汽车制造业、纺织业、建材、化工、医药和新能源等各行各业正成为中企出海的新风口。

The emerging digital consumer market in Africa also provides development opportunities for Chinese internet companies in e-commerce, mobile payment, digital entertainment, and other fields.

而非洲正在崛起的数字消费市场也为电子商务、移动支付、数字文娱等领域的中国互联网企业提供了发展机遇。

Although both are emerging markets, the investment environment in the Middle East and Latin America is more mature compared to Africa, with more intense local industry competition. Africa, due to factors such as different national policies, laws, religions, ethnicity, and cultures, has a more complex investment environment, lower economic development levels and consumer capacity. However, there is also less competitive pressure.

尽管同为新兴市场，中东和拉美的市场投资环境，相较于非洲要更加成熟，当地的行业竞争也更加激烈。非洲则由于不同国家的政策、法律、宗教、民族和文化等因素，投资环境更加复杂，经济发展水平和消费能力更低。但同时，竞争压力更小。

Expending trade with Africa, in addition to the dividends, also requires companies to have localization capabilities and global thinking abilities, fully considering its complexity and challenges, such as political instability, incomplete infrastructure, security compliance, industry competition, and cross-cultural integration issues, with stronger market insight and localization operation capabilities.

出海非洲除了红利，但同时也需要企业具备本地化能力和全球化思考能力，充分考虑其复杂性和挑战性，如政治不稳定、基建不完善、安全合规、行业竞争以及跨文化融合问题，具备更强的市场洞察力和本地化运营能力。

South African Ports Facing Emergencies

不稳定政治下的南非港口

According to South African media reports, the South African Border Management Authority (BMA) recently temporarily closed the operation of Lebombo Port due to vehicles being burned on the Mozambican side of the border. Relevant personnel have stated that the closure of the port is in the interest of public safety and have urged freight industry stakeholders to suspend travel through the port. In addition, the operation of Maputo Port has also been suspended due to riots, which will have a significant impact on cargo transportation in the region.

据南非相关媒体报道，南非边境管理局（BMA）近日暂时关闭Lebombo港口运营，原因是边境莫桑比克一侧有车辆被焚烧。相关人员表示，关闭港口符合公共安全利益，并敦促货运业利益相关者暂停通过该港口的旅行。除此之外，马普托港的运营也因骚乱而暂停，将对该地区内的货物运输产生重大影响。

Nigeria's Lucrative Market

尼日利亚的优渥市场

In addition to South Africa, Nigeria is also a major economy in Africa, and is China's second largest export market, third largest trading partner and major investment destination in Africa. Nigeria's trade commodity structure is relatively simple, with crude oil and natural gas as the main export commodities, and major import commodities including machinery and equipment, transportation vehicles, chemical products, food, etc.

除了南非，尼日利亚也是非洲一大经济体，更是中国在非洲的第二大出口市场、第三大贸易伙伴和主要投资目的地国。尼日利亚贸易商品结构较为单一，主要出口商品为原油和天然气，主要进口商品包括机械设备、交通工具、化工产品、食品等。

1.Precautions for going to Nigeria

1.出海尼日利亚注意事项

The main ports in Nigeria include the Lekki Deep Water Port, Apapa Port, Tin Can Port, Koko Port, Warri Port, Harcourt Port, Calabar Port, and Sapele Port in Lagos, totaling nine major seaports. Lagos Port (including Apapa Port and Tin Can Port) is the largest and busiest port in West Africa, accounting for about 70% of Nigeria's import and export cargo transportation. There are significant trade barriers in the customs clearance process at Nigerian ports, characterized by complex customs procedures and high berthing and loading/unloading fees. The Nigerian government implements a pre-shipment inspection system and a dual inspection system upon arrival at the destination port, causing port congestion and delays that can last for months. Companies should anticipate this and plan accordingly.

尼日利亚主要港口有拉各斯的莱基深水港、阿帕帕港、廷坎港、科科港、瓦里港、哈尔科特港、卡拉巴尔港和萨派勒港等9个主要海港。拉各斯港（包括阿帕帕港和廷坎港）是西非最大、最繁忙的港口，承担了尼日利亚70％左右的进出口货物运输。尼日利亚港口通关环节的贸易壁垒明显，表现为清关手续复杂、停泊和装卸费用较高。尼日利亚政府实施装船前检验和货到目的港的双重检验制度，造成港口货物积压，有的长达几个月，企业应对此有所预期，并提前做好相应的规划。

Especially in Africa, including Nigeria, due to unstable electricity supply, communication is often preferred via telephone. Therefore, it is essential to keep detailed records during communication and confirm all details through email or other written forms.

非洲尤其是尼日利亚，由于电力供应不稳定，往往更倾向于通过电话进行沟通。因此，在交流过程中，务必做好详细的记录，并通过电子邮件或其他书面形式确认所有细节。

Approximately 50% of Nigeria's population is Muslim, 40% is Christian, and 10% follows other religions. There is a clear hierarchy, with subordinates often addressing superiors by their job titles, academic titles, or military ranks. Before greeting, they are accustomed to lightly tapping the other person's palm with their thumb before shaking hands. When conversing, avoid direct eye contact to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. Additionally, the left hand is considered unclean, and it is taboo to pass things or food with the left hand. The number "13" is considered unlucky and should be avoided in interactions.

尼日利亚大约50%的人口信奉伊斯兰教，40%信奉基督教，10%信奉其他宗教。等级观念分明，下级对上级多称职衔、学衔或者军衔。在施礼前，他们习惯先用大拇指轻轻地弹一下对方的手掌再行握手礼。在交谈时避免直视对方的眼睛，以免造成不必要的误会，并且尽量避免使用“negro”和“black”等词汇。同时，当地认为左手是不干净的，忌讳左手传递东西或食物。数字“13”在当地被视为不吉利，尽量避免在交往中使用此数字。

2.Nigeria-related Data Websites

2.尼日利亚相关数据网站

Nigeria Customs Service:

https://customs.gov.ng/

Nigeria Customs Exchange Rate:

https://trade.gov.ng/en/exchange/customs-exchange-rate

Nigerian Postal Service Inquiry:

https://nipost.gov.ng/

Nigeria Yellow Pages:

https://yellowpagesnigeria.com/

Nigerian Trade-Related Government Departments and Organizations

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (the department in charge of trade):

http://www.fmti.gov.ng/ (currently inaccessible due to server issues)

Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy:

www.commtech.gov.ng

Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA):

https://naccima.com/

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC):

http://www.nepc.gov.ng

Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA):

http://www.nepza.gov.ng/

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA):

http://nigerianports.gov.ng

Nigerian Shippers' Council:

http://shipperscouncil.gov.ng/

Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON):

http://son.gov.ng/

Nigeria Trade Hub:

http://www.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng/

尼日利亚海关总署：

https://customs.gov.ng/

尼日利亚汇率查询：

https://trade.gov.ng/en/exchange/customs-exchange-rate

尼日利亚邮政查询：

https://nipost.gov.ng/

尼日利亚黄页：

https://yellowpagesnigeria.com/

尼日利亚贸易相关政府部门及组织

工业、贸易和投资部（主管贸易的部门）：

http://www.fmti.gov.ng/（目前因服务器问题无法登录）

通信与数字经济部：

www.commtech.gov.ng

全国商业矿业和农业协会 (NACCIMA)：

https://naccima.com/

尼日利亚出口促进委员会 (NEPC)：

http://www.nepc.gov.ng

尼日利亚出口加工区管理局（NEPZA）：

http://www.nepza.gov.ng/

尼日利亚港务局 (NPA)：

http://nigerianports.gov.ng

尼日利亚托运人委员会：

http://shipperscouncil.gov.ng/

尼日利亚标准组织（SON）：

http://son.gov.ng/

尼日利亚贸易中心：

http://www.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng/

3.Taxes and Duties for Exporting to Nigeria

3.出口到尼日利亚相关税收

Both individuals and business entities engaged in the import of goods in Nigeria are required to pay import duties and other taxes. All import taxes and fees are calculated based on the freight value, i.e., the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) price.

无论个人或商业实体在尼日利亚从事商品进口，均须缴纳进口关税及其他税费。进口税费全部以货运价值，即到岸价格（CIF）计算。

Nigerian tariff rates range from 0% to 35%, with an average rate of 16.96%. Some goods are exempt from duties, such as books.

尼日利亚关税税率在0%-35%之间，平均税率为16.96%。某些商品免征关税，如书籍。

Value Added Tax (VAT) = Standard VAT rate of 5% × (CIF price + customs duty + excise duty + other taxes).

增值税=标准增值税税率5%×（CIF价+关税+消费税+其他税费）。

There is no tax exemption threshold in Nigeria. Taxes are levied regardless of the size of the imported goods value.

尼日利亚所有税费均不设起征点。无论进口货值大小，一律征收税费。

Excise Tax: A tax is levied on certain goods at a rate of 5%-30% based on the total of CIF price and customs duty.

Sugar Tax: A tax is levied at a rate of 10%-20% based on the total of CIF price and customs duty.

Rice Tax: A tax is levied at a rate of 20% based on the total of CIF price and customs duty.

Tobacco Tax: A tax is levied at a rate of 50%-100% based on the total of CIF price and customs duty.

Vehicle Tax: A tax is levied at a rate of 10%-20% based on the total of CIF price and customs duty.

消费税：针对某些商品，在CIF价和关税总和的基础上，征收税率在5%-30%之间的消费税。

糖税：在CIF价和关税总和的基础上，征收税率在10%-20%之间的糖税。

米税：在CIF价和关税总和的基础上，征收税率为20%的米税。

烟税：在CIF价和关税总和的基础上，征收税率在50%-100%之间的烟税。

汽车税：在CIF价和关税总和的基础上，征收税率在10%-20%之间的汽车税。

4.Nigerian Customs Clearance Document Requirements

4.尼日利亚清关文件要求

1) Cargo Tracking Note or Cargo Import Manifest (CTN NO.)

2) Original Bill of Lading

3) Packing List

4) Customs Invoice

5) SONCAP Certificate

6) Certificate of Origin

7) Inspection and Quarantine Certificate (for live birds and animals, a sanitary certificate must be attached)

8) Other documents

1. Risk Assessment Report (RAR tax payment voucher)
2. For food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, a joint certificate of manufacture and free sale is required
3. For food, basic food ingredients, and feed, one radioactivity certificate and two ingredient analysis certificates are required
4. For alcoholic beverages, a certificate of brewing age is required
5. The complete company name and address of both the shipper and the consignee must be provided and displayed on the bill of lading.

1）货物跟踪单或货物进口清单（简称：CTN NO.）

2）提单原件

3）装箱单

4）海关发票

5）SONCAP认证

6）原产地证明书

7）检验检疫证书（活鸟兽、动物，须附卫生检疫证书）

8）其他文件

a.风险报告单（RAR交税凭证）

b.对食品、化妆品、药物制品，需附制造和自由销售联合证书

c.对食品、食品的基本原料和饲料，需1份放射性证明和2份成分分析证明书

d.含酒精的饮料，应附酿造年代证书

e.必须提供发货人以及收货人完整的公司名、地址，并且显示在提单上。

5.Nigerian SONCAP Certification

5.尼日利亚SONCAP认证

The Nigerian SONCAP certification is a pre-shipment conformity assessment program implemented by the Nigerian Standard Organization for controlled products exported to the country. Imported products must be verified and tested in the supplying country and obtain a SONCAP certificate (SC certificate) to prove that the products comply with applicable standards and regulations. Companies exporting to Nigeria need to perform two steps to handle this certification:

尼日利亚SONCAP认证，是尼日利亚国家标准局对出口到该国的管制产品实施装船前的合格评定程序（简称SONCAP），即进口产品必须在供货国进行验证和测试，并取得SONCAP证书（简称SC证书），以证明产品符合适用的标准和法规。企业出口尼日利亚办理该认证需进行两步操作：

1)Apply for a Product Certificate (PC)

2)Use the obtained PC to apply for a single batch conformity certificate SC(SONCAP Certificate).

It is important to note that companies must first apply for a PC and only after obtaining the PC can they apply for an SC. After obtaining the PC, provide the PC to the Nigerian importer, who then applies to the local bank for the FORM M form; with the FORM M form, the company uses the FORM M form and the obtained PC to apply for the SC.

1）办理申请产品证书PC（Product Certificate）

2）凭借办理好的PC证书办理单批次符合性证书SC（SONCAP Certificate）

需要注意的是，企业需先办理好PC证书，获得PC证书后才能申请SC证书。办理PC证书后，将PC证书提供给尼日利亚进口商，进口商向当地银行申请办理FORM M表格；拿到FORM M表格后，企业借助FORM M表格与办理好的PC证书申请SC证书。

At present, China has established a production capacity cooperation mechanism with 15 African countries, and Chinese companies are involved in the planning, construction, and operation of more than 50 industrial parks in African countries, laying a cooperative foundation for more Chinese companies to go to Africa. More and more Chinese companies are looking to Africa, with hope and contemplation in their sights.

目前，中国与15个非洲国家建立了产能合作机制，中国企业在非洲国家参与规划、建设、运营的各类产业园区超过50个，为更多中国企业出海非洲打下了合作基础，越来越多的中国企业把目光瞄向非洲，目光中有希望也有思索。