As Africa faces growing global economic uncertainty, intense geopolitical competition and the urgent need for greater continental integration, Nigeria and South Africa must elevate their relations beyond diplomatic goodwill and historical ties to a strategic partnership capable of shaping Africa’s future, Director-General Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghe said.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) breakfast meeting in Lagos on the theme “Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Unlocking the Next Frontier of Strategic Partnership”, Osaghe argued that relations between Africa’s two largest economies matter much more than bilateral interests.
According to him, the future competitiveness of the African continent will largely depend on the ability of Nigeria and South Africa to cooperate more effectively in trade, investment, innovation, security, diplomacy and institutional development.
“These are two countries that have historically shaped African affairs,” Osaghe said. “When Nigeria and South Africa work together, they create opportunities not only for themselves but for the entire continent.”
He said that despite periodic tensions and policy disagreements, the two countries remain indispensable partners in advancing Africa's economic integration agenda and strengthening the continent's voice in global affairs.
Osaghe said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a unique platform for both countries to move from competition to cooperation, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, technology, telecommunications, energy, agriculture and the creative economy.
The NIIA Director General emphasized that sustainable economic growth is not driven by natural resources or market size alone but by the ability to build strong institutions, policy stability and systems that support long-term growth.
Drawing lessons from South Africa's economic growth and Nigeria's entrepreneurial dynamism, he argued that Africa's development challenge is no longer just about creating opportunities, but about building institutions capable of sustaining growth at scale.
He said, “Nigeria has extraordinary entrepreneurial energy, while South Africa has developed strong institutional and corporate systems. The real opportunity lies in combining these strengths to create globally competitive African enterprises.”
Osaghé also called for deeper cooperation in knowledge exchange, research, education and policy development, noting that stronger intellectual engagement between the two countries could help address common challenges ranging from industrialization and unemployment to regional security and technological change.
He stressed the need to strengthen people-to-people ties and remove negative perceptions that sometimes strain relations between the citizens of the two countries.
According to him, mutual understanding, cultural exchange and strong trade networks will be important in promoting trust and opening up new investment opportunities.
Earlier, President of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Ize Jidenma, described Nigeria and South Africa as indispensable pillars of Africa's economic future, urging the two countries to strengthen economic cooperation, cultural exchange and strategic partnership.
Zidenma said that while relations between the two countries have historically been rooted in political solidarity, especially during the anti-apartheid struggle, the next phase should be driven by economic cooperation and shared prosperity.
He highlighted successful cross-border investments including contributions from MTN, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dangote Group and other leading African enterprises as testament to the opportunities that exist when businesses from the two countries work together.
According to him, greater cooperation under the AfCFTA, stronger investment protection framework and increased support for entrepreneurs wishing to expand across borders will accelerate intra-African trade and improve investor confidence.
“We must focus on what we are doing right and build on those successes,” Zidenma said. “Nigeria and South Africa have the potential to help reposition Africa in the global economy if we work together strategically.”
He also called for stronger media partnerships, exchange programs and cultural initiatives that will promote better understanding between citizens of the two countries and help counter negative stereotypes.
As part of efforts to deepen commercial engagement, Zidenma revealed plans for a trade delegation to South Africa later this year, aimed at helping Nigerian businesses better understand the country's regulatory environment, business culture and investment opportunities.
The event brought together diplomats, business leaders, policy makers, academics and investors who shared a common view that stronger Nigeria-South Africa cooperation is essential to achieving Africa's aspirations for economic growth, industrial development and global competitiveness.