The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has celebrated its 25th anniversary in Lagos with a distinguished dinner attended by corporate leaders, diplomats, and government officials, commemorating a quarter-century of enduring economic cooperation between the two nations.
The event, themed “Building Together,” underscored the resilience and growing strength of commercial ties between Africa’s largest economies.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Mendebem, commended NSACC as a cornerstone of bilateral economic engagement.
She highlighted the Lagos State Government’s role in fostering economic growth and recognised the Chamber’s contributions to facilitating trade, investment, and strategic guidance for South African businesses operating in Lagos.
The Governor’s representative encouraged the business community to focus on transformative investments in emerging sectors such as manufacturing, fintech, entertainment, and renewable energy—areas poised to drive future economic diversification and growth.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chair of NSACC, described the silver jubilee as a reflection of the maturity and durability of the Nigerian-South African economic partnership.
She noted that the anniversary was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a forward-looking commitment to expanding collaboration.
Dr. Jidenma acknowledged the dedication of founding members and corporate partners who sustained the Chamber through economic and political challenges, and she outlined a five-year strategic vision centred on building trust and enhancing the impact of bilateral trade.
South African Consul-General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, praised the Chamber’s 25-year journey, noting its significance alongside 31 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prof. Moroe emphasised the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and encouraged business leaders to leverage NSACC’s platform to advance continental economic integration.
A highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, recognising individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to Nigeria-South Africa relations.
Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, presented the awards, with MTN Nigeria receiving the Exceptional Partnership Award.
The anniversary concluded with a networking session, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and shared optimism for a prosperous, integrated African economy as NSACC looks forward to its next 25 years of partnership and progress.
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