The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce has called for an improvement in the bilateral ties between the chamber and South Africa.

This call was made during a courtesy visit of the NSACC delegation led by its chairman, Dr. Ije Jidenma, to the South African Embassy in Lagos to foster stronger bilateral relations and explore potential areas of collaboration.

NSACC was established in May 2000 to promote bilateral trade activities between Nigeria and South Africa.

During the visit, the seven-member delegation engaged in discussions with the Consul-General of South Africa, Professor Bobby Moroe, and his team on enhancing trade opportunities, investment flows, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Dr. Jidenma reaffirmed NSACC’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, outlining key areas of engagement, including trade facilitation, visa support for business travellers, cultural and educational exchanges, joint policy advocacy, and regional integration. She also emphasised the importance of sustaining development initiatives through regular communication and coordination.

She said, “We feel very much at home working with your good self as you have demonstrated that you have a helicopter view of what we can achieve working together as a continent. On behalf of the Nigeria-South Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank you for the steady progress made and the invaluable support the South African Embassy has rendered in facilitating the visa process for our members. The Embassy’s assistance has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of our mission of strengthening the bonds between Nigeria and South Africa and advancing our shared goals in industry, trade, investment, and diplomatic relations.

“Our shared commitment to foster stronger bilateral ties between the two countries remains at the core of this relationship. NSACC’s vision and aspiration is ‘to be a strategic interface in promoting the interest of members of the Nigeria-South Africa business community.’ The partnership between the Chamber and the South African Embassy has the potential to drive significant value for the two countries. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement established in 2018 by the African Union is something our two countries have to explore fully at various levels. For instance, we understand that companies such as MoMo PSB, the fintech subsidiary of MTN, enable direct payments to several African countries through their app and USSD channels. Also, South African Airways has increased flights to key destinations. These few examples show the remarkable progress that we are making in actualising the economic ties that abound.”

In response, Moroe welcomed the Chamber’s proactive engagement and highlighted several areas where the Embassy and NSACC could collaborate. These include the South African Week, which the Embassy invited NSACC to co-host.

“The South African Week event is a key platform for cultural and economic engagement, showcasing cultural diplomacy, economic diplomacy, trade and investment roadshows, joint ministerial meetings of the Foreign Affairs Ministry between March and April in Abuja, joint promotion of the historical ties and bonds of both countries predating 1994, and teaming up to make state visits like the past one by President Tinubu to South Africa successful,” he said.

Both parties expressed a strong commitment to closer cooperation, recognising the partnership’s potential to drive economic growth, enhance diplomatic relations, and promote mutual understanding between Nigeria and South Africa.


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