The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a high-profile dinner in Lagos, drawing corporate leaders, diplomats, and state officials to honour a quarter-century of robust bilateral economic relations.
This milestone event, themed “Building Together,” served as a powerful testament to the resilience and deepening economic bond between Africa’s two largest economies.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose address was delivered by Folashade Ambrose-Mendebem, the commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, hailed the NSACC as a vital foundation for bilateral economic diplomacy.
He specifically emphasised the work of the Lagos State Government in promoting economic development and the Chamber’s crucial role in facilitating trade, investment, and market guidance, which has benefited South African enterprises operating within Lagos.
The Governor then issued a strategic call to action, urging the business community to pivot towards transformative investments in key emerging sectors. These sectors, including manufacturing, fintech, entertainment, and green energy, represent the future of economic growth and diversification.
Taking the podium, Dr. Ije Jidenma, the Chair of the NSACC, framed the Chamber’s 25th anniversary as an acknowledgement of the maturity and strength of the Nigerian-South African economic bond.
“This 25-year milestone shows that despite the ups and downs, Nigeria and South Africa want to work together. We must go beyond perception and narrative; our people want collaboration,” she said.
Dr. Jidenma clarified that this milestone was less of a commemoration and more of a forward-looking approach towards achieving greater impact in Nigerian-South African relations.
She acknowledged the significant contributions of founding members and corporate partners, whose commitment sustained the institution through political and economic turbulence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jidenma articulated a strategic plan centred on building trust and ensuring the NSACC makes a profound impact on the bilateral commercial relationship over the next five years.
Prof. Bobby Moroe, the South African Consul-General in Lagos, expressed that the Chamber’s silver jubilee was a cause for excitement, noting its timely alignment with 31 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between the two nations. Prof. Moroe offered high praise to the NSACC for successfully “holding the fort” for 25 years, ensuring commercial relations were effectively harnessed even under difficult continental circumstances.
He took the opportunity to highlight the immense opportunity presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
In his closing remarks, he strongly encouraged business leaders in the room to leverage their combined strengths and the structures of the NSACC to push forward the agenda of continental economic integration.
A central feature of the evening was the prestigious awards ceremony, which celebrated individuals and organisations instrumental in strengthening Nigeria-South Africa ties.
Tobechukwu Okigbo, chief corporate services & sustainability officer, MTN Nigeria, had the honour of presenting the awards, and MTN won the award for Exceptional Partnership
The evening concluded with high-level networking, reinforcing the spirit of continental brotherhood and shared optimism for a prosperous, integrated African economy as the NSACC embarks on its next 25 years of partnership and progress.
