The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce marked its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner in Lagos, bringing together corporate leaders, diplomats, and government officials to celebrate 25 years of strong economic ties.
The milestone event, themed “Building Together,” highlighted the enduring partnership and growing economic collaboration between Africa’s two largest economies, the statement said on Wednesday.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Mendebem, praised the NSACC as a key pillar of bilateral economic diplomacy.
He highlighted the Lagos State Government’s efforts to drive economic growth and lauded the chamber’s pivotal role in supporting trade, investment, and market navigation, benefiting South African businesses operating in the state.
Sanwo-Olu called on the business community to focus on transformative investments in emerging sectors, noting that areas such as manufacturing, fintech, entertainment, and green energy are pivotal for future economic growth and diversification.
Addressing the audience, NSACC Chair Dr. Ije Jidenma described the Chamber’s 25th anniversary as a celebration of the maturity and strength of the Nigerian-South African economic partnership.
“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.
Jidenma emphasized that the milestone was not merely a celebration, but a forward-looking commitment to deepening the impact of Nigerian-South African economic relations.
She recognized the vital contributions of founding members and corporate partners, whose dedication helped sustain the Chamber through political and economic challenges.
Looking forward, she presented a strategic plan focused on fostering trust and ensuring that the NSACC delivers a lasting impact on the bilateral commercial relationship over the next five years.
The South African Consul-General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, described the Chamber’s silver jubilee as a moment of celebration, noting its alignment with 31 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa. He commended the NSACC for “holding the fort” for 25 years, ensuring that commercial ties thrived despite challenging continental circumstances.
Moroe also emphasized the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and urged business leaders to leverage their collective strengths and the NSACC’s framework to advance the agenda of continental economic integration.
A key highlight of the evening was the prestigious awards ceremony, honoring individuals and organisations that have significantly strengthened 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 concluded with high-level networking, reinforcing the spirit of continental camaraderie and shared optimism for a prosperous, integrated African economy as the NSACC looks ahead to its next 25 years of collaboration and growth.
