Stakeholders on Thursday urged stronger Nigeria–South Africa collaboration to unlock Africa’s trade and investment potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
They spoke at the second Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable hosted by MTN Nigeria in Lagos.
Participants said both nations must move beyond rhetoric to practical policies enabling seamless trade, regulatory alignment and cross-border investment.
Mr Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive, said Africa’s future depends on systems removing barriers to trade, payments and talent mobility.
Toriola, also MTN Group Vice Chairman, was represented by Onyinye Emeka-Ikenna, Chief Marketing Officer.
He said challenges in cross-border payments and recognition of professional qualifications continued to limit growth, in spite of Africa’s population exceeding 1.4 billion.
He said: “Trade does not thrive on promises; it thrives on systems that work.
“MTN has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, payment platforms and connectivity to support economic integration.”
According to him, MTN operates across multiple African markets, serving over 300 million subscribers while expanding fibre networks and digital payment systems.
Ms Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, said its 30-year presence positioned it beyond telecommunications.
Morafo, represented by Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Dominic Kumalu, said MTN enabled dignity, hope and opportunity through technology.
“Over three decades, we have learnt our role is not just service delivery but enabling opportunity for the continent,” she said.
She said operations in Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa offered lessons in resilience, collaboration and inclusive growth.
She said: “We see Africa as one story with many chapters.
“When Nigeria and South Africa work together, they power not only their economies but the continent’s future.”
Morafo said stronger alignment would boost financial inclusion, investor confidence and AfCFTA implementation.
Ms Ije Jidenma, Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce Chairperson, described economic diplomacy as vital for trade, investment and development.
She said the roundtable builds trust, fosters partnerships and develops strategies to address infrastructure gaps and improve the business environment.
Jidenma urged joint ventures, stronger private sector participation and sustainable partnerships.
“Economic diplomacy sits at the intersection of foreign policy and economic strategy.
“It delivers export growth, attracts capital and strengthens bilateral ties,” she said.
Mr Bobby Moore, Consul General, South Africa High Commission to Nigeria, said AfCFTA progress signalled a shift from policy to implementation.
Represented by Ms Kgothatso Xulu, by Acting Consul General, South Africa High Commission, Moore said intra-African trade remains below 20 per cent.
He said this highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, logistics and regulatory cooperation.
Moore said both countries could lead in developing trade corridors, strengthening value chains and promoting industrialisation.
He identified sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, digital trade and energy.
Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, reaffirmed commitment to an enabling investment environment.
She said this was driven by infrastructure development, regulatory reforms and digital transformation.
Ambrose-Medebem said Lagos remained a key West African commercial gateway, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.
She said the state offered strong opportunities for foreign investors, including South African businesses.
Participants described infrastructure as the lifeline for trade efficiency, competitiveness and regional connectivity.
They called for increased investment in transport networks, energy systems and digital infrastructure.
Stakeholders urged a shift from dialogue to concrete outcomes, including cross-border investments and SME participation.
They emphasised youth development and resilient value chains as priorities.
They said Africa’s transformation depended on deliberate collaboration between governments and the private sector.
The roundtable gathered officials, diplomats, investors and business leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and advance Africa’s development agenda.
