…as South African Airways celebrates 90 years
By: Theresa Moses
The Consul General of South Africa to Nigeria, Professor Bobby J. Moroe, has advocated for deeper cultural understanding and cooperation through educational projects, cultural exchanges, and the promotion of mutual respect, leveraging sports and the arts to foster unity and using language learning to break down communication barriers.
He said this on Thursday 18th July, 2024, in Lagos at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) July breakfast meeting at the Eko Hotel and Suites, sponsored by South African Airways (SAA), while giving a keynote address on the topic: “Diplomatic Relations between South Africa and Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges.”
The event presented an opportunity to mark a dual celebration of SAA’s 90th anniversary, and the continued strengthening of South Africa-Nigeria relations brought together 100 stakeholders from both nations to explore opportunities for economic cooperation and address the challenges facing bilateral relations, which was moderated by Ajibola Olomola, Vice Chairman NSACC.
In his speech, Prof. Moroe highlighted the significance of the occasion. “This year, South African Airways celebrates 90 years of connecting South Africa to the world, and today we also honour two pivotal anniversaries in our national history,” he said. “We mark 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy and 30 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria.”
Prof. Moroe emphasised the shared values and historical ties between the two nations, underscoring the importance of collaboration. “We remain truly grateful to the government and people of Nigeria for standing on the right side of history during our struggle for freedom and liberation. We thank you for the friendship, support, and sacrifices,” he stated.
He highlighted both the prospects and challenges in the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria, pointing out the mutual benefits of trade and investment and noting that Nigeria accounts for approximately 64% of South Africa’s trade within the West African region.
“The African market, totaling 1.4 billion people, presents untapped opportunities that both our nations can leverage,” he reiterated.
He acknowledged the competition between the two countries but stressed the importance of collaboration. “South Africa and Nigeria, while often seen as competitors, share numerous similarities that provide a foundation for cooperation,” Prof. Moroe noted.
“Both countries are among the largest economies in Africa, with rich cultural and natural resources. We must work towards leveraging these strengths for mutual benefit.”
The Consul General also addressed the impact of competition. “Misdirected competition can lead to diplomatic strain, trade wars, and diminished trust. We must focus on fostering collaboration to enhance our economic and social development,” he said.
While proposing several collaborative initiatives, including the development of a joint industrialization strategy, a Pan-African infrastructure fund, and a joint agricultural development programme, he noted that “we must create a structured approach to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and investment.”
In his closing remarks, Prof. Moroe appealed to the Chamber to take note of the discussed initiatives and to mobilise resources for tangible outcomes. “I urge the Chamber to create a programme of action with clear milestones and partnerships. This will help transform our discussions into concrete results,” he concluded.
The event was aimed at promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on economic cooperation, trade relations, and social and political dynamics.
“We believe that the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce has a critical role to play in promoting economic cooperation and cultural understanding between our two nations,” said Mr. Giwa-Osagie, Chairman of the NSACC.
The event had in attendance Lebohang Moroe, wife of the Consul General, and a distinguished audience, including NSACC Chairman Mr. Giwa-Osagie, Vice-Chairman Mr. Ajibola Olomola, former Chairman Mr. Foluso Phillips, and esteemed Directors Dr. Ije Jidenma, Mr. Ohis Ehimiaghe, Regional Manager: North, West, and Central Africa of South African Airways (SAA), and Executive Secretary Mr. Iyke Ejimofor, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry from South Africa and Nigeria, representatives from government agencies and ministries, academics, and researchers.
The meeting, held in celebration of International Nelson Mandela Day and the inauguration of the South African Parliament’s new administration, marked a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral ties between South Africa and Nigeria. The collaborative spirit and forward-looking proposals from the breakfast meeting are set to enhance the partnership between the two countries in the years to come.
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