The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), hosted the 4th edition of South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria from 22 to 26 April 2026.
The annual forum is evolving into a strategic initiative that aims to promote social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians, while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism and education. Since its launch in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from a variety of sectors including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the democratic Constitution of South Africa enacted in 1996, as well as the 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underline the enduring partnership between the two countries, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing cooperation.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically important, multi-dimensional partnership based on trade, energy security, investment flows and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade is structurally imbalanced – South Africa exports US$468.48 million and imports US$1.69 billion, resulting in a deficit of US$1.22 billion – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa's dependence on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further enhanced by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa's economy is worth about US$443.6 billion for 2026, while Nigeria's is worth about US$334.3 billion in nominal terms. As the two largest economies on the continent, their bilateral partnership is a central axis of African economic activity, which has a disproportionate impact on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, this relationship is strengthened by deep two-way investment ties. South African companies including MTN Group, Shoprite and Standard Bank maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing presence in South Africa. Although investment flows are heterogeneous and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade to services, finance and digital innovation.
In line with Brand South Africa's mandate to build the country's global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long event will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia and media. The discussion will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
South Africa Focus Week includes a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote cooperation:
● South Africa-Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Summit (22 April 2026)
Held under the theme “South Africa-Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities”, the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail and transport systems. The Forum will also examine the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and facilitate discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria's Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
● Second Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (23 April 2026)
Organized in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme “The Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development”, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
● Art and Culture Experience (24 April 2026)
A dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos' creative spaces and feature a panel discussion on South African art, film, music and culture. The event includes a South African film screening, engagement with filmmakers and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of the two countries.
● Independence Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony (25 April 2026)
This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of the Constitution of South Africa, 32 years of independence and democracy and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration is part of Brand South Africa's Global South Africa programme, which recognizes and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the country's values and identity.
● South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club (26 April 2026)
In partnership with Crossflex International, the Consulate General will host the fourth edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament. The event aims to strengthen people-to-people ties through sports diplomacy, bringing South African and Nigerian golfers together in a spirit of camaraderie and cooperation.