Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a more transformative relationship between Nigeria and South Africa in terms of investments, especially in manufacturing, fintech, entertainment, and green energy.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the  Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce’ (NSACC) 25th anniversary dinner held in Lagos on Friday, and sponsored by MTN among others.

He lauded the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) as being a testament of sustained impact, resilience, and deep commitment between Africa’s two largest economies to its economic integration.

He lauded NSACC’s leadership, founding members, and corporate partners for maintaining the institution’s strength for over a quarter of a century.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Mendebem, extended heartfelt congratulations to the NSACC’s leadership.

He said that for a quarter of a century, the chamber had stood as a powerful symbol of cooperation between the continent’s two largest economies.

According to him, through its monthly breakfast meetings, policy dialogues, and trade missions, the NSACC has established itself as one of Africa’s most influential bilateral business platforms, serving as a reliable convening ground for decision makers and investors.

The governor highlighted the chamber’s crucial role in facilitating the entry and expansion of major South African brands in Nigeria across telecommunications, retail, banking, construction, hospitality, transport, and manufacturing.

He cited companies such as MTN, MultiChoice, Shoprite, and Stanbic IBTC, noting that they found “clarity and guidance” through the chamber’s engagement platforms.

“As the commercial and financial heartbeat of Nigeria, Lagos State has been the primary landing hub for South African investments, maintaining a large concentration of South African corporate operations in West Africa.

“The benefits are evident across multiple sectors. Telecommunications and digital Infrastructure companies like MTN have significantly accelerated digital penetration and innovation in Lagos.

“Institutions such as Stanbic IBTC have strengthened Lagos’ banking landscape, contributing to significant capital market growth and cross-border investment flows.”

According to him, South African investments, particularly in broadcast media and digital content distribution such as MultiChoice have played crucial roles.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that these collaborations had delivered economic value, created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and strengthened people-to-people connections.

He reinforced the idea that Africans could build globally competitive enterprises.

He reiterated the Lagos State administration’s commitment to sustaining the city as the region’s most business-friendly environment under the Themes Plus Agenda.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said his administration was focusing on reliable infrastructure, mobility, energy, and logistics, including the development of industrial zones like the Lekki Economic Zone and the emerging Badagry Port District.

He announced that Lagos, working with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, had secured the winning rights to host the Intra-Africa Trade 2027 event.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigeria-South Africa Chambers of Commerce, Dr Ije Jidenma, described the Chamber’s journey as starting like a mustard seed.

Ms Jidenma expressed gratitude to her predecessors, stating that she was standing “on the shoulders of these great men.”

She outlined a strategic plan for the next five years, focusing on significant impact in terms of Nigerian-South African relationships and building trust.

She said that they were celebrating not just institutions but also the legacies of the past leaders, acknowledging the media partner and concluding with a wish that the next 25 years bring “even greater accomplishments for Nigeria and for South Africa.”

The Acting High Commissioner and Consul General of the South African High Commission in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, described the chamber’s silver jubilee as a cause for great excitement.

Mr Moroe said the celebration coincided with 31 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria.

He commended the chamber for standing for 25 years, ensuring conventional relations were harnessed even under extremely difficult circumstances.

Mr Moroe described the partnership as a “vibrant bridge between two of Africa’s largest economies,”noting the importance of mutual trust and respect.

He said that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) was a game-changing opportunity to demonstrate economic integration and unlock new possibilities in sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

Mr Moroe’s recurring emphasis on “Africa is the continent of the future” underscored the shared optimism for a prosperous, integrated African economy.

He urged the audience to “leverage our strengths, embrace innovation and champion inclusive growth that benefits all Africans.”

(NAN)