South Africa And Nigeria Bolster Economic Ties With Successful 2025 Trade Mission.
South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), in collaboration with the South African Consulate General in Lagos, has successfully concluded the 2025 Outward Selling Trade Mission to Nigeria, held from 25–27 August. The mission, a vibrant showcase of business-to-business (B2B) engagement, aimed to strengthen trade and investment ties between two of Africa’s economic powerhouses, with a keen focus on fostering investor confidence and supporting Nigeria’s ongoing regulatory reforms.
The initiative, part of South Africa’s broader strategy to expand its trade footprint across the continent, brought together a delegation of 15 South African companies, supported by the DTIC’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme. Led by Acting High Commissioner and Consul General Professor Bobby J. Moroe, the mission featured a robust programme of trade and investment seminars, networking platforms, and sector-specific engagements in Lagos. Moroe highlighted the critical role of Nigeria and South Africa in driving intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “This mission harnesses the economic might of our nations to deepen Africa’s role in global trade, creating opportunities for jobs, infrastructure, and industrial growth,” he said.
A key focus of the mission was Nigeria’s evolving business landscape, particularly its regulatory reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. Barrister David Hachilam Nkire, a partner at Fola Sowemimo & Co (Sterling Partners), delivered an insightful presentation on these reforms, reassuring South African investors of Nigeria’s commitment to creating a conducive environment. “Nigeria is open for business. Streamlined company registration, tax incentives, and stronger legal frameworks are paving the way for investors to thrive,” Nkire stated. He emphasised the importance of credible local partnerships to navigate Nigeria’s dynamic market successfully.
The mission also explored the transformative potential of technology in trade. Sonny Iroche, CEO of GEN AI Learning Concepts Limited, underscored the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating cross-border transactions. “AI tools can authenticate business partners, assess financial capacity, and enhance efficiency, making trade between Nigeria and South Africa seamless and secure,” he noted. The involvement of institutions like the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Stanbic IBTC, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) further strengthened the mission’s impact, fostering trust and sustainable business relationships.
Held alongside the LCCI’s International Business Conference and Expo, dubbed “Invest Nigeria,” the mission provided South African companies with a platform to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and potential partners across sectors such as mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and ICT. Chief Director of Export Promotion at the DTIC, Zanele Sanni, described the mission as a resounding success, noting that participating companies secured promising leads and partnerships in Nigeria’s priority sectors. “These engagements lay the groundwork for long-term collaborations, from distributorships to joint ventures, aligning with AfCFTA’s vision of a more integrated Africa,” she said.
The 2025 Outward Selling Trade Mission, which also included a leg in Ghana from 27–30 August, underscores South Africa’s commitment to deepening economic diplomacy and leveraging AfCFTA for inclusive growth. With both nations prioritising regulatory support and private-sector collaboration, the mission signals a brighter future for bilateral trade, promising to drive industrialisation, job creation, and prosperity across the continent.