Lagos | 30 August 2025 — In a bold move to deepen economic cooperation and boost intra-African trade, South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening commercial ties with Nigeria. This was announced during the 2025 Outward Selling Trade Mission to Nigeria, held in Lagos and organized by the South African Consulate General in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
Speaking at the event, South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner and Consul General to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, highlighted the importance of collaboration between Africa’s two largest economies. “South Africa and Nigeria have a unique opportunity to strengthen trade and investment ties, driving economic growth and development. Together, let us tap into the transformative power of trade to stimulate growth, generate employment, and enhance lives,” Moroe said.
He stressed that under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both nations could lead the charge in industrialising the continent and reducing dependency on foreign markets.
Business-to-Business Matchmaking Unlocks New Partnerships
A key highlight of the trade mission was a Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking session aimed at creating concrete commercial partnerships. According to Margaret Chichi Nkire, Founder of McKire Africa, six South African firms across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, mining, agriculture, and agro-processing were paired with Nigerian businesses for potential collaborations.
“These meetings went beyond networking. They created avenues for distributorships, joint ventures, and long-term partnerships, directly contributing to AfCFTA’s goal of boosting intra-African trade,” Nkire noted.
She also acknowledged the pivotal role played by institutions such as the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Stanbic IBTC, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in fostering trust and laying down the framework for enduring bilateral business relations.
Leveraging Technology to Drive Trade
The mission also spotlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming African trade. Sonny Iroche, CEO of GEN AI Learning Concepts Limited, urged African nations to adopt AI solutions to stay globally competitive.
“AI can verify business partner credibility, assess financial health, and streamline operations. It’s a tool—whether it’s used for good or bad depends on the user. But applied correctly, it has the power to transform,” Iroche stated.
Regulatory Reforms Attracting Investment
Legal expert David Hachilam Nkire, a partner at Fola Sowemimo & Co (Sterling Partners), reassured South African investors of Nigeria’s improving business climate. He highlighted regulatory reforms such as streamlined company registration, tax incentives for key sectors, improved dispute resolution systems, and stronger legal frameworks to protect foreign partnerships.
While acknowledging the typical hurdles of emerging markets, Nkire noted that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations, particularly when foreign investors partner with credible local firms.
A Shared Vision for Africa’s Economic Future
In her remarks, Ije Jidenma, Chair of the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the historical and economic ties between the two countries. “We must preserve and deepen these bonds. As Africans, we share a common home—and our unity is critical to our progress,” she said.
Closing the event, Moroe expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the trade mission. “This mission is not just about today’s conversations but about tomorrow’s opportunities. The partnerships we are building here will serve as a model for Africa, showing that when we work together, we can rise together.”
The 2025 Outward Selling Trade Mission to Nigeria reaffirmed a shared goal between South Africa and Nigeria: to use trade, technology, and strategic collaboration to build a more integrated, competitive, and self-sustaining African economy.
