MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic and digital cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa as it hosted a high-level Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable in Lagos.
The event, held at the MTN Rooftop, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and senior government officials to explore new areas of collaboration in trade, technology, and human capital development.
Themed “Africa’s Twin Engines: How Nigeria–South Africa Relations Can Position Africa as a Global Middle Power,” the roundtable was convened under the auspices of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), with support from the Lagos State Government. Discussions centered on how both nations, Africa’s largest economies, can leverage technology and private-sector partnerships to unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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In his keynote address, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos state deputy governor, described Lagos as a natural gateway for African innovation and investment, noting that deepening South Africa–Nigeria collaboration was essential for the continent’s progress. “Lagos remains Africa’s commercial nerve centre where trade, talent, and technology intersect. Strengthening cooperation between our two nations is strategic not only for both economies but also for Africa’s collective advancement,” he said.
On her part, Thandi Moraka, South Africa’s deputy minister of International Relations and Cooperation, emphasized the need for practical, people-centred outcomes. “Nigeria and South Africa share not just a history of solidarity but a future of shared responsibility. The AfCFTA gives us the platform; our partnership must give it life,” she noted.
Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, said the roundtable was designed to translate policy intent into measurable progress through cross-border projects. “When South Africa and Nigeria act together, we can transform shared potential into measurable progress for our people and continent. MTN will continue to provide the digital infrastructure and partnerships needed to make this collaboration real,” he stated.
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Key outcomes from the roundtable included the launch of a Nigeria–South Africa standards and e-certification pilot under AfCFTA, the establishment of a cross-border SME payments corridor, and the creation of a talent mobility framework for mutual recognition of digital skills.
The event reaffirmed MTN’s broader mission to use connectivity and digital platforms to drive regional integration, innovation, and sustainable growth across Africa.
