Nigerian columnists to host Pan-African dialogue

Nigeria and South Africa jointly generate over 40 per cent of Africa’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but unlocking the full potential of this economic prowess will require deliberate peaceful interactions, social cohesion, and mutual respect among citizens.

This was the central message delivered yesterday in Lagos by the Consul General of the Republic of South Africa, Prof. Bobby Moroe, during a bilateral breakfast session organised by the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Bilateral Relations: Advancing Cooperation in a Changing World’, Moroe emphasised that despite the economic stature of both nations, intra-African trade remained below 15 per cent, a deficit that could only be remedied if both countries resolved social friction and collaborated closely.

Moroe urged both countries to diversify away from traditional commodities like crude oil, calling for cross-border investments in oil refining, data infrastructure, agro-processing, fintech, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.

Addressing anti-migrant sentiment, irregular migration, and lingering public tensions, Moroe made a strong appeal for peace, open dialogue, and shared responsibility between host and sending nations.

He noted that host countries have a duty to safeguard every resident within their borders, while sending nations must build thriving domestic economies to mitigate forced emigration. This, according to him, can be done by creating stable jobs and safe environments, so that both states effectively protect their diplomatic and economic relationships.

Echoing these thoughts, the Vice Chairman of the NSACC, Flow Olobiah, speaking on behalf of the Chamber Chairman, Dr Aichi Idema, acknowledged recent civil unrest and called for a moment of silence for those affected. Olobiah stressed that sporadic street violence did not define the broader relationship between the two nations, urging both sides to focus on social cohesion and structural reforms.

MEANWHILE, leading journalists, academics, policymakers, and public intellectuals from across Africa will converge on Lagos on August 6, 2026, for a high-level Pan-African roundtable examining the evolving relationship between South Africa and the rest of the continent.

The event organised by the League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), will be held at the CIAPS Auditorium in Lagos, virtually.

According to a statement issued by the League’s Communication Secretary, Mr Ikechukwu Amaechi, the roundtable with the theme: “From Mayibuye iAfrika to Abahambe! South Africa and Other African Countries: Reflections on the Trajectory of a Relationship,” will explore how relations between South Africa and other African nations have evolved since the struggle against apartheid.

It would also examine the political, economic, diplomatic, cultural, and media dimensions of a relationship that had inspired both solidarity and controversy.