Johannesburg - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, fresh from her trip with President Cyril Ramaphosa to the United Kingdom, recently met with her Nigerian counterpart, Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama.
This was during the mid-term review of the 10th BNC (Bi-National Commission) between the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Pandor said that South Africa regards the relationship with Nigeria as a strategic relationship rooted in strong historical ties dating back to the struggle against apartheid and colonialism.
“I am very pleased that we are witnessing a steady increase of investments in the South African economy by Nigerian companies. For example, the Dangote Group whose investment in the cement industry is the largest investment by a Nigerian company in South Africa,” said Pandor.
She said that Nigeria provided trade opportunities for South Africa, and it is South Africa’s biggest trading partner in west Africa.
“South Africa’s investment in Nigeria is made up of approximately 120 companies whose total investment is worth more than R4,398 billion in capital expenditure, and significant employment opportunities for Nigerian people have been created during the period under review,” she said.
According to Pandor, 2023 will mark the 29th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria.
“The mid-term review will assist us to assess progress with the implementation of the decisions of the 10th BNC, identify weaknesses in implementation, and take measures to strengthen implementation. It will also assist us to ensure the operationalisation of the mechanisms established by the Heads of State and Government to address the challenges faced by our people and businesses,” added Pandor.
The Star