By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigeria and South Africa (SA) have renewed commitments to deepen collaboration in telecommunications, digital trade and innovation, positioning technology as a central driver of Africa’s economic transformation.
The pledge was made at the Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable held at the corporate headquarters of MTN Nigeria in Lagos on April 23, where policymakers, regulators and industry leaders converged to explore how digital infrastructure can accelerate intra-African trade and investment.
The roundtable, part of South Africa Week 2026 and co-sponsored by the South African High Commission and MTN, underscored the growing importance of cross-border tech partnerships in unlocking the continent’s largely untapped economic potential.
Representing the Consul General of South Africa in Lagos, Bobby Moroe, Acting Consul General Kgothatse Xulu highlighted that Africa’s economic future will be defined by how effectively countries collaborate on digital transformation.
He noted that intra-African trade remains below 20 per cent, stressing that while progress has been made, the bigger opportunity lies in leveraging technology to deepen integration.
“Africa needs to unlock growth that is measurable, inclusive and sustainable. Cooperation in telecommunications, digital transformation and services can reshape regional value chains and accelerate innovation-led growth,” he said.
Xulu further emphasised that Africa’s long-term competitiveness depends on how well its youthful population is equipped with digital skills, calling for stronger investments in connectivity, innovation ecosystems and talent development.
In his keynote, Calvin Phume described the roundtable as a critical platform for translating policy into practical outcomes, particularly in advancing digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to him, AfCFTA provides a framework for building integrated digital markets across Africa by enabling seamless flow of goods, services and data.
“The agreement offers an opportunity to strengthen value chains, enhance production capacity and promote industrialisation, especially in sectors such as digital trade, logistics and advanced manufacturing,” Phume said.
He identified digital commerce, infrastructure, and technology-enabled services as key sectors that can generate employment and support scalable innovation across borders.
From an industry perspective, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, represented by Chief Marketing Officer Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, stressed the importance of regulatory alignment in strengthening investor confidence in Africa’s digital economy.
“The regulatory trust we build creates confidence for global investors assessing Africa’s technology landscape,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Ije Jidemma, said economic diplomacy must increasingly focus on digital connectivity and broadband expansion as enablers of trade.
She explained that stronger collaboration between both countries could help close infrastructure gaps, improve internet penetration and create a more conducive environment for private sector-led innovation.
Jidemma added that enhanced digital infrastructure would not only boost trade but also unlock new opportunities in fintech, e-commerce and cross-border services.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Folasade Ambrose-Medebem, through Dr. Adeyemi Adeyinka, reaffirmed Lagos’ readiness to support technology-driven investments with improved infrastructure, business-friendly policies and a growing innovation ecosystem.
Analysts at the roundtable agreed that Nigeria and South Africa—two of Africa’s largest digital markets, have a strategic responsibility to lead the continent’s transition into a connected, innovation-led economy.
With AfCFTA gaining momentum, stakeholders noted that aligning policies around data flows, digital payments, and telecom infrastructure will be critical to building a truly integrated African digital market.
The roundtable concluded with a shared consensus: Africa’s economic future will not just be industrial, it will be digital, and Nigeria-South Africa collaboration could be pivotal in shaping that trajectory.
