Nigeria–S’Africa chamber celebrates 25-year economic partnership

The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a high-profile dinner in Lagos, drawing corporate leaders, diplomats, and state officials to honour a quarter-century of robust bilateral economic relations.

The milestone event, themed “Building Together,” served as a testament to the resilience and deepening economic bond between Africa’s two largest economies, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose address was delivered by the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Mendebem, hailed the NSACC as a vital foundation for bilateral economic diplomacy.

He emphasised the work of the Lagos State Government in promoting economic development and the chamber’s crucial role in facilitating trade, investment, and market guidance, which has benefited South African enterprises operating within the state.

Sanwo-Olu issued a strategic call to action, urging the business community to pivot towards transformative investments in key emerging sectors. He said these sectors, including manufacturing, fintech, entertainment, and green energy, represent the future of economic growth and diversification.

Taking the podium, the Chair of the NSACC, Dr Ije Jidenma, described the Chamber’s 25th anniversary as an acknowledgement of the maturity and strength of the Nigerian-South African economic bond. “This 25-year milestone shows that despite the ups and downs, Nigeria and South Africa want to work together. We must go beyond perception and narrative; our people want collaboration,” she said.

Jidenma explained that the milestone was less of a commemoration and more of a forward-looking approach towards achieving greater impact in Nigerian-South African relations.

She acknowledged the significant contributions of founding members and corporate partners, whose commitment sustained the institution through political and economic turbulence.

Looking ahead, she outlined a strategic plan centred on building trust and ensuring that the NSACC makes a profound impact on the bilateral commercial relationship over the next five years.

The South African Consul-General in Lagos, Prof Bobby Moroe, said the Chamber’s silver jubilee was a cause for excitement, noting its timely alignment with 31 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between the two nations. He praised the NSACC for successfully “holding the fort” for 25 years and ensuring commercial relations were effectively harnessed despite difficult continental circumstances.

Moroe also highlighted the immense opportunity presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. In his closing remarks, he encouraged business leaders to leverage their combined strengths and the structures of the NSACC to push forward the agenda of continental economic integration.

A major highlight of the evening was the prestigious awards ceremony, which celebrated individuals and organisations instrumental in strengthening Nigeria-South Africa ties. Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, presented the awards, and MTN received the award for Exceptional Partnership.

The evening ended with high-level networking, reinforcing the spirit of continental brotherhood and shared optimism for a prosperous, integrated African economy as the NSACC embarks on its next 25 years of partnership and progress.