Thandi Moraka Highlights South Africa-Nigeria Ties Crucial for Africa

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, asserted that the economic revitalization of Africa is significantly dependent on enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa. Speaking at the Nigeria–South Africa Ministerial Business Roundtable, hosted by MTN on October 26, 2023, at the Rooftop Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, Moraka described both countries as essential pillars in the continent’s transformation efforts.

Moraka emphasized that South Africa’s economic diplomacy relies on strategic partnerships with key nations like Nigeria. “Our partnership is not just political, but developmental in nature,” she stated. She underlined that the transformation agenda for Africa relies heavily on the cooperation of its largest economies to unlock trade and industrial capabilities.

As both nations move forward, Moraka indicated they are entering the implementation phase of the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) resolutions, co-chaired by Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Cape Town earlier this year. The new phase aims to translate commitments into actionable cooperation across critical sectors such as energy, defence, trade, technology, and mineral development.

“We are now entering the implementation phase of the BNC decisions, which will go a long way in turning around the socioeconomic landscapes of our two nations,” Moraka noted. She highlighted that the BNC has mandated regular political consultations between the foreign ministers of South Africa and Nigeria to enhance bilateral engagement.

One of the significant outcomes of the BNC discussions was the establishment of a joint ministerial advisory council, which will focus on industry development and address trade and investment challenges. This council aims to identify and eliminate longstanding trade and regulatory obstacles that hinder economic growth.

Moraka also called on African nations to shift their focus from merely exporting raw materials to fostering beneficiation and industrialization. She stated that South Africa is prepared to work closely with Nigeria to maximize the value of critical minerals and expand trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Gone are the days when raw minerals must just be extracted and taken to other continents,” she remarked, stressing the importance of keeping value-added processes within Africa to safeguard job opportunities and economic growth.

In her address, Moraka praised MTN for its role in advancing economic diplomacy through public-private partnerships. She particularly highlighted the company’s Media Innovation Programme (MIP), which enhances journalistic exchange and contributes to shaping positive narratives about Africa.

As preparations intensify for South Africa to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2024, Moraka urged African nations to capitalize on this opportunity to promote a unified continental agenda focused on renewable energy, technology, food security, and innovation.

This call for collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria signals a pivotal moment for African economies, aiming to build a more interconnected and resilient continent.