ON the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day, a gathering of diplomats, South African government officials, members of academia, and international media convened in Pretoria, South Africa. The event highlighted the enduring friendship and robust trade partnership between Nigeria and South Africa, while also addressing diplomatic challenges.
The South African government was well-represented by Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, who addressed the attendees. In his keynote address, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa, Muhammad Haruna Manta, emphasised the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Manta stated, ‘Nigeria and South Africa share a special bond that extends beyond borders. Our countries have a long history of collaboration and engagement, which has evolved into a thriving trade partnership. This partnership significantly reflects on the progress of the African continent.’
Recent years have witnessed remarkable growth in trade between Nigeria
and South Africa. Manta added, ‘Our countries have become important trading partners, and the potential for further expansion is immense. Nigeria offers unique opportunities for investment and trade with its vast human resources and robust economy, while South Africa’s industrial prowess and infrastructure complement our economic ties.’
The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, established in 1999, serves as a platform to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and commerce. According to the Nigerian High Commission, exports from South Africa to Nigeria have increased at an annual rate of 9.69 percent from $51.3 million in 1995 to $569 million in 2021. Similarly, Nigeria’s exports to South Africa have grown at a rate of 24.7 percent from $7.25 million to $2.23bn during the same period.
Manta highlighted successful collaborations in energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, citing MTN telecommunication giants and MultiChoice conglomerates as examples. He also emphasised the untapped potential in emerging areas such as ICT, renewable energy, healthcare, and Artificia
l Intelligence.
In a positive development, Manta announced that Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted an invitation from President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the 11th Bi-National Commission in December, aiming to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
However, Manta did not shy away from addressing existing challenges. He noted, ‘I cannot conclude my address without highlighting a few irritants noticeable in our relations, which include but are not limited to the stereotyping of Nigerians as criminals and visa-related issues faced by Nigerians in South Africa.’
Manta expressed optimism, saying, ‘On this National Day of Nigeria, let us celebrate not only our nation’s achievements but also the enduring friendship between Nigeria and South Africa. Our trade relations are a vital component of this friendship, and with continued cooperation and collaboration, we can achieve even greater success in the years ahead.’
The South African government has pledged to address these challenges, including visa-related issues, as a sign of commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Nigeria. Expanding chanceries in Abuja and Lagos is among the steps taken to facilitate smoother diplomatic relations.
The event was a testament to the deep-rooted friendship and growing economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, with both nations committed to furthering their partnership for the betterment of the African continent.
(with IOL)
