MTN Nigeria on Thursday hosted a high-level Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and fostering private sector collaboration between the two African powerhouses.
Held at the MTN Rooftop in Lagos, the event convened senior government officials, business leaders, and policymakers under the theme: “Africa’s Twin Engines: How Nigeria–South Africa Relations Can Position Africa as a Global Middle Power.”
The roundtable was organized in partnership with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and supported by the Lagos State Government.
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, described Lagos as a strategic hub for innovation and investment. “Lagos remains Africa’s commercial nerve centre where trade, talent, and technology intersect,” he said. “Strengthening South Africa–Nigeria cooperation is essential for the continent’s collective progress.”
Her Excellency Thandi Moraka, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of DIRCO, emphasized the need for practical collaboration.
“Nigeria and South Africa share not just a history of solidarity but a future of shared responsibility,” she said. “Our task is to move beyond rhetoric and drive
policies that align, systems that connect, and opportunities that empower our people.”
Dr. Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the roundtable was designed to translate intent into execution. “When South Africa and Nigeria act together, we can transform shared potential into measurable progress,” he said. “MTN will continue to provide the digital infrastructure and partnerships needed to make this collaboration real.”
Key outcomes from the roundtable include plans to:
– Launch a Nigeria–South Africa standards and e-certification pilot under AfCFTA.
– Establish a cross-border SME payments corridor leveraging digital payment rails.
– Introduce a talent mobility framework for mutual recognition of digital skills.
The roundtable reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive trade facilitation, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
