Nigeria, South Africa Deepen Trade Ties With Focus On Partnerships, Regulation
South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), working with the South African Consulate General in Lagos, successfully concluded the 2025 Outward Selling Trade Mission to Nigeria. The week-long mission focused on building stronger business-to-business links, improving investor confidence, and promoting reforms that make trade easier between both countries.
Acting High Commissioner and Consul General of South Africa in Nigeria, Professor Bobby J. Moroe, said the initiative aims to expand trade cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria. He emphasized that both nations must use their economic strength to boost intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This mission is about using the strength of our economies to deepen Africa’s role in global trade,” Moroe said. “The partnerships built here can open opportunities for jobs, infrastructure, and industrial growth.”
Business Matchmaking Promotes Partnerships
A highlight of the trade mission was the business matchmaking sessions organized by McKire Africa. These sessions connected South African companies in manufacturing, mining, engineering, agriculture, and agro-processing with Nigerian firms.
Founder of McKire Africa, Margaret Chichi Nkire, explained that the sessions were designed to create long-term partnerships such as distributorships and joint ventures.
“These are practical steps that move beyond introductions,” Nkire said. “They lay the foundation for distributorship, partnerships, and collaborations that support AfCFTA’s goal of increasing trade within Africa.”
Reforms Improve Nigeria’s Business Climate
The mission also addressed Nigeria’s regulatory environment and business reforms. Barrister David Hachilam Nkire, Partner at Fola Sowemimo & Co (Sterling Partners), gave a presentation highlighting measures that improve the ease of doing business.
“Nigeria is open for business,” he noted. “The reforms underway are designed to make it easier for investors to establish and expand their operations. With credible local partnerships, South African businesses can not only survive but thrive in Nigeria’s dynamic market.”
Technology’s Role in Trade Facilitation
The discussions also explored how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance trade. Mr. Sonny Iroche, CEO of GEN AI Learning Concepts Limited, said AI tools can authenticate business partners, assess financial strength, and improve cross-border efficiency.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade
The Chairman of the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ije Jidenma, encouraged both governments and the private sector to maintain close collaboration. According to her, Nigeria and South Africa hold pivotal roles in driving Africa’s economic integration.
The 2025 trade mission concluded with renewed commitments from both countries to strengthen cooperation through structured platforms for business and investment engagement.
