How Aba is Becoming “China in Africa” And Nnewi "Japan in Africa"
Aba, located in Abia State, Nigeria, has long been known as the commercial heartbeat of the Southeast. Over the years, it has earned the nickname “China of Africa” because of its ability to replicate, innovate, and mass-produce a wide range of products.
1. Aba’s Strength in Manufacturing
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Footwear & Fashion: Aba is arguably the biggest hub for locally-made shoes, bags, and clothing in West Africa. Artisans can take a design from anywhere in the world and reproduce it with remarkable speed and skill.
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Mass Production: Just like China, Aba thrives on producing goods in large quantities at affordable prices. From leather products to textiles, Aba fills markets across Nigeria and even exports to neighboring countries.
2. Innovation & Imitation
Much like China in its early economic rise, Aba has mastered the art of reverse engineering. When a new shoe, bag, or clothing style trends abroad, Aba entrepreneurs can reproduce it in days—often at a fraction of the price.
3. Job Creation & Local Economy
The “Made in Aba” initiative has empowered thousands of artisans, tailors, and traders. This informal but vibrant economy mirrors China’s early manufacturing model, where small-scale industries laid the foundation for global dominance.
4. Export Potential
With proper government investment, infrastructure, and access to international markets, Aba could scale up and become Africa’s leading export hub for fashion and leather goods.
How Nnewi is Becoming “Japan in Africa”
Nnewi, in Anambra State, is Nigeria’s industrial city and is often referred to as the Japan of Africa due to its automobile and machinery industry.
1. Automotive Industry
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Nnewi is home to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), the first indigenous car manufacturing company in Nigeria.
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Long before IVM, Nnewi was already known for producing spare parts for vehicles, motorcycles, and heavy machinery—just as Japan built its reputation with Toyota, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
2. Technical Precision
Unlike Aba’s focus on mass production of consumer goods, Nnewi is rooted in engineering, precision, and technology. The town specializes in high-quality spare parts that are trusted across Nigeria and West Africa.
3. Entrepreneurial Families
Nnewi is famous for its business dynasties. Families pass down trade secrets and industrial know-how through generations, creating strong, sustainable industries—similar to Japan’s model of family-owned companies that became global brands.
4. Industrial Cluster Model
Almost every household in Nnewi is linked to trade or industry. This concentrated industrial environment mirrors Japan’s post-war economic growth, where cities became specialized hubs of innovation and production.
Aba and Nnewi: Complementary Forces
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Aba = China: Mass production, affordability, innovation through imitation.
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Nnewi = Japan: Precision, technology, automobile, machinery, and industrial expertise.
Together, these two Nigerian cities showcase Africa’s potential for industrial independence. If supported with infrastructure, power supply, credit facilities, and export-friendly policies, Aba and Nnewi could transform Nigeria’s economy the way China and Japan transformed Asia.
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Let me know which of these two cities you will like to establish you own business, so that I can guide you on how to build a profitable business in each of them, pointing out the major challenges each of them face.
