Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral economic cooperation at the Ministerial Business Roundtable held in Lagos, with both nations exploring practical strategies to boost trade, investment, and industrial development across Africa.
The high-level forum, hosted by the South African High Commission on October 23, 2025, at the Rooftop Event Centre, MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, brought together top government officials, diplomats, and business leaders. It followed resolutions from the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) co-chaired by Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted Lagos' role as a regional investment hub, emphasizing that the state's infrastructure and innovation drive remain key to economic growth. "This meeting is not just about discussion—it's about transforming shared ideas into real progress," he said.
South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, stressed that both countries had moved from dialogue to implementation. "Our goal is to ensure that the progress we talk about translates into tangible benefits for our people," she said.
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A panel discussion themed "Africa's Twin Engines: How Nigeria–South Africa Relations Can Position Africa as a Global Middle Power" featured leading voices from business and governance, including MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, Dr. Ije Jidenma, and Dr. Tunde Ayeye, who all called for stronger public-private partnerships to unlock growth potential.
The roundtable concluded with a renewed pledge by both governments to remove trade barriers, foster joint ventures, and promote innovation-driven industries that can sustain long-term development.
With enhanced cooperation between Africa's two largest economies, the Nigeria–South Africa partnership is poised to strengthen regional integration and drive inclusive economic growth across the continent.
