Abuja| • Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai
China has urged Nigeria to join the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), saying greater participation in global AI cooperation could help developing countries narrow the technology gap.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Established in Shanghai on July 16, 2026, WAICO has 29 founding members and is headquartered in the city. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and global AI governance, with emphasis on ensuring that AI development is beneficial, safe and fair.
African countries on the memberships lists include Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa and Zambia. Nigeria was not among them.
Yu urged Nigeria to take advantage of the emerging framework for technological cooperation as AI becomes increasingly important to economic development, innovation and global competitiveness.
“Those who walk the same path go far. Let us empower development through innovation, openness, and sincere cooperation to continuously enrich China-Nigeria friendship and write a new chapter in China-Africa relations,” he said.
WAICO was established amid intensifying competition over AI, advanced technology and global technology governance.
China has presented it as a platform to help Global South countries build capacity and participate more actively in the AI-driven economy.
Analysts have linked the organisation to the broader technology contest between China and the United States, with some describing it as a potential counterweight to Western-led initiatives.
For Nigeria, membership could create opportunities for AI capacity building, technology transfer, research and development, digital infrastructure and governance. The practical benefits would depend on the programmes and commitments WAICO ultimately develops.
