By Juliet Umeh
Intra-African trade remains below 20 per cent of the continent’s total trade and this low level of trade deficit is a significant obstacle to sustainable growth and development.
Apparently, to avert the inherent dangers of such a lapse, South Africa’s Consul- General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has called on Nigeria and South Africa to assume a leading role in advancing Africa’s economic integration.
He made the call at the Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable held at MTN’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, where government officials and industry leaders stressed the need for stronger bilateral cooperation.
Moroe who was represented by Acting Consul-General, Kgothatse Xul, said the low level of trade reflects both progress and missed opportunities.
He said: “Intra-Africa trade still accounts for less than 20 per cent of Africa’s total trade. This shows progress, but also highlights the vast opportunity ahead.”
He noted that Nigeria and South Africa, as two of Africa’s largest economies, have a responsibility to lead the continent’s development agenda.
“As we advance the African Continental Free Trade Area, our cooperation in sectors such as telecommunications, digital transformation, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure, will shape regional value chains and accelerate inclusive growth,” he added.
Moroe also stressed that Africa’s future depends largely on equipping its young population with digital skills.
In his keynote, Director of Africa Bilateral Economic Relations, Mr. Calvin Phume, described the roundtable as vital for translating shared ambitions into practical outcomes.
“As African countries, we hardly trade among ourselves, contributing less than 15 per cent of total trade. AfCFTA is designed to change this by promoting the free flow of goods and services,” he said.
He added that the agreement offers a framework to strengthen industrial capacity, deepen value chains, and build resilient trade systems. Phume identified manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, digital trade, and infrastructure as key sectors with strong potential to drive jobs and investment.
Also speaking, CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, represented by Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, emphasised the importance of regulatory trust in attracting investors.
“The regulatory trust we build gives confidence to investors watching Africa from a distance,” he said.
Chairperson of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ije Jidemma, said economic diplomacy is the key to advancing trade and investment ties.
“We want to see South African businesses grow in Nigeria and Nigerian businesses thrive in South Africa,” she said, noting that collaboration across infrastructure, energy, and digital connectivity can unlock investment and create jobs.
Lagos State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Folasade Ambrose-Medebem, represented by Dr. Adeyemi Adeyinka, assured investors of a stable and business-friendly environment.
Stakeholders agreed that closing Africa’s intra-trade gap is critical, with Nigeria and South Africa expected to lead through stronger collaboration and sustained investment.
