Thandi Moraka Urges Stronger South Africa-Nigeria Collaboration for Economic Growth

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, has underscored the importance of a robust partnership between South Africa and Nigeria for the economic revival of Africa. Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Ministerial Business Roundtable hosted by MTN on October 5, 2023, at the Rooftop Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, Moraka emphasized the pivotal role these two nations play in the continent’s transformation.

During her address, Moraka articulated that South Africa’s economic diplomacy relies heavily on strategic alliances with key countries like Nigeria to unlock Africa’s industrial potential. “Our partnership is not just political, but developmental in nature,” she stated. She further noted that the success of Africa’s transformation agenda hinges on how its largest economies collaborate to enhance trade and industrial capabilities.

Implementation Phase of Bi-National Commission

Moraka highlighted that both nations are now entering the implementation phase of the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) resolutions. These resolutions, co-chaired by Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Cape Town earlier this year, aim to translate commitments into actionable cooperation across vital sectors such as energy, defence, trade, technology, and mineral development.

She remarked, “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.” The BNC has mandated regular political consultations between the foreign ministers of South Africa and Nigeria, establishing a routine for bilateral engagements.

Moraka also pointed out that a significant outcome of the BNC is the establishment of a joint ministerial advisory council focused on industrial development and addressing trade and investment challenges. “This council will identify and remove trade and regulatory bottlenecks that have existed for years,” she added.

Shifting Focus from Raw Materials to Industrialisation

In her address, Moraka urged African countries to transition from merely exporting raw materials to prioritizing beneficiation and industrialisation. She expressed South Africa’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria in maximizing the value of critical minerals and expanding 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. This process leads to the export of our own GDPs and job opportunities,” Moraka explained. She emphasized the necessity for African nations to retain value within their economies rather than sending raw materials abroad without processing.

Moreover, she commended MTN for its role in enhancing economic diplomacy through public-private collaboration. Moraka specifically highlighted the company’s Media Innovation Programme (MIP), which fosters journalistic exchange and works to shape positive narratives about Africa.

As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, Moraka called on African nations to leverage this opportunity to advance a unified continental agenda focusing on renewable energy, technology, food security, and innovation.

In conclusion, the dialogue between South Africa and Nigeria is set to play a crucial role in the continent’s economic resurgence, with Moraka’s statements reinforcing the importance of cooperation in tackling shared challenges and enhancing regional development.