South Africa relies on Nigeria for more than 70% of its oil imports, according to the Acting High Commissioner and Consul General of the Republic of South Africa, Bobby Moroe.
Speaking at the Outward Selling Mission Programme in Lagos, Moroe explained that Nigeria benefits from South Africa’s position as a gateway for distributing oil and other products to neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Lesotho.
“This initiative is about more than trade—it is about building on our shared history and creating opportunities that benefit both nations,” Moroe stated.
The annual programme, organised by South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, returned this year after a three-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its focus is to revive economic partnerships, strengthen old markets, and explore new frontiers of cooperation.
A wide range of South African businesses took part, covering engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and agro-processing. Beyond oil, Moroe highlighted opportunities in road rehabilitation, housing projects, and technology transfer.
He further stressed that Nigeria and South Africa—Africa’s two largest economies—must take the lead in industrialisation and trade expansion under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
“Together, we can position Africa as a global powerhouse,” he said, noting that trade volumes are still tilted in Nigeria’s favour.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Iyke Ejimofor, said the forum provides Nigerian entrepreneurs with direct access to South African investors, encouraging sectoral growth, technology exchange, and cross-border collaboration. He pointed to agriculture, engineering, and mining as priority areas.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the South Africa-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Ije Jidenma, described the relationship between both nations as crucial for Africa’s progress.
“We all share a collective responsibility to make Africa great. What greater step can we take than for Nigeria and South Africa to work closely together? Collaboration is not just important—it is essential,” she said.
Jidenma praised Moroe’s vision, saying it reflects not just a commitment to trade but to humanity, compassion, and Africa’s shared future. She reminded participants that both countries are bound by historic struggles for liberation and unity, adding that “trust and truth must remain at the core of our engagements if we are to build a lasting partnership.”
Beyond economics, the event also highlighted culture as a bridge of cooperation, with Afrobeats and Amapiano serving as examples of how music and arts can further deepen ties.
“This is more than business—it is about shaping Africa’s future,” Moroe concluded.