Nigeria-South Africa chamber marks silver jubilee with Lagos gala
The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner in Lagos, uniting corporate leaders, diplomats, and government representatives to honor 25 years of robust economic connections.
This landmark occasion, themed “Building Together,” emphasized the lasting partnership and expanding economic cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Mendebem, commended the NSACC as an essential element of bilateral economic diplomacy.
He highlighted the Lagos State Government’s initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and praised the chamber’s crucial role in facilitating trade, investment, and market navigation, which benefits South African businesses operating within the state.
Sanwo-Olu urged the business community to concentrate on transformative investments in emerging sectors, pointing out that fields like manufacturing, fintech, entertainment, and green energy are crucial for future economic development and diversification.
In her address to the audience, NSACC Chair Dr. Ije Jidenma portrayed the Chamber’s 25th anniversary as a testament to the maturity and resilience of the economic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa.
“This 25-year landmark illustrates that, despite challenges, Nigeria and South Africa are committed to collaborating. We need to move beyond perceptions and narratives; our people desire partnership,” she stated.
Jidenma underlined that this milestone represents not just a celebration, but a commitment towards strengthening Nigerian-South African economic ties moving forward.
She acknowledged the crucial roles played by founding members and corporate partners whose perseverance helped the Chamber navigate through political and economic difficulties.
Looking ahead, she introduced a strategic plan aimed at building trust and ensuring that the NSACC leaves a lasting influence on the bilateral commercial relationship for the next five years.
The South African Consul-General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, referred to the Chamber’s silver jubilee as a significant moment of celebration, noting its connection with 31 years of continuous diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa. He praised the NSACC for “holding the fort” for 25 years, ensuring that commercial relationships prospered despite challenging conditions on the continent.
Moroe also highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, encouraging business leaders to harness their collective strengths and the NSACC’s structure to push forward the agenda of continental economic integration.
A notable highlight of the evening was the prestigious awards ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations that have significantly enhanced Nigeria-South Africa relations. Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, presented the awards, with MTN receiving the accolade for Exceptional Partnership.
The event wrapped up with high-level networking, reinforcing the spirit of continental unity and shared optimism for a thriving, integrated African economy as the NSACC prepares for its next 25 years of collaboration and growth.
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