By CHIDIEBERE NWANKWO
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has lent his voice in the call for a re-galvanized business relationship between Nigeria and South Africa in a bid to grow both economies and give Africa a formidable voice in global trade.
Delivering a Keynote speech at the MTN-organized Nigeria-South Africa Economic Roundtable in Lagos on Thursday, Hamzat spoke about the development efforts of the Lagos state government in areas such as technology, healthcare, logistics, power, creative economy and creating future-ready youths.
In his words: “We are positioning Lagos as the heart of African renaissance. We are not just building industries, we are cultivating interests, identity and inclusion. Looking ahead, we see exciting opportunities for collaboration with South African investors who share our commitment to excellence and cultural innovations.
As we continue to deepen our reforms, Lagos is eager to welcome partnerships that allow us to bring capital, technology and expertise to boost this growth.
While envisaging a future filled with collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa, he noted that over the years, South African businesses have played a crucial role in Lagos’ economic narrative – from telecommunications to financial institutions that bolster trade, housing and enterprise development.
“By leveraging South Africa’s industrial strength, and our vast market and innovative ecosystem, we can establish joint ventures and an enterprise market that transcends borders. Such a partnership will not only expand our economies, but also position Africa as a competitive and credible player in the human value chain,” Hamzat said.
CEO, MTN Nigeria, Carl Toriola, in his speech, pledged MTN’s support to resolutions and policies that will create free trade, digital identity and business strategies that create jobs and improve revenue.
The Deputy Minister, DIRCO (South Africa), H.E. Thandi Moraka, while speaking on South Africa’s readiness to push bilateral relations between the two countries, noted that the two Trade Ministries of both countries need to meet to identify impediments and look for things that are in place for use in promoting trade between them.
Chief Director, West Africa, Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa, Amb. Nyameko Goso noted that the South African Consulate in Nigeria is in a position to create a very conducive business environment and a platform for Nigerian and South African businesses.
He pointed out that the Summit is a testament of the greater things that the two countries will be doing going forward.
In his presentation, the Managing Director, Frontline Africa Advisory Group, Thembinkosi Gcoyi spoke about rebuilding the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa through rebuilding economies by diversification, strengthening governance and restoring policy credibility, and leading Africa-led diplomacy.
The Panel Discussion session threw more light on areas of collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa, with emphasis on logistics, technology, infrastructure, power and the creative industry. The discussant, while agreeing that the two countries have done a lot together, said more needs to be done through the establishment of trade agreements and breaking down barriers that can impede the collaboration.
The Nigeria/South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable is geared towards deepening government and business relations between the two countries, while also converting diplomatic intentions into execution.
