Private Sector Engagement
By Mpho Moloi
A session aimed at creating a platform for meaningful dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders is set to be held on Wednesday, as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in collaboration with the MTN Group, hosts the South Africa-Nigeria private sector engagement session at MTN’s Head Office.
The dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria, two of Africa’s largest and most influential economies. The session will bring together South African companies already operating in Nigeria, alongside businesses looking to explore new commercial opportunities within the Nigerian market.
According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the engagement session seeks to foster stronger ties between the two countries by facilitating trade, encouraging investment, and supporting industrial development initiatives.
Wednesday’s meeting follows commitments made during the 11th Session of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), which was held in South Africa in December 2024. During that session, both countries agreed to convene the inaugural meeting of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Trade, Industry and Investment (JMACITI) during the 2025/26 financial year.
JMACITI, originally launched on 1 December 2021 at the 10th BNC in Abuja, serves as a critical mechanism for strengthening bilateral economic relations. It is also intended to coordinate joint trade, investment, and industrial initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, who will lead the engagement session, said the event represents a major step towards building a more integrated and competitive African economy.
“This session is not only about market access, it is about forging strategic partnerships that advance intra-African trade and foster industrial development under the AfCFTA,” Tau said.
He further emphasised the importance of open dialogue between government and business to create a conducive environment for investment. “We are intentional about creating policy frameworks that enable South African firms to expand across the continent. Constructive, collaborative platforms like this are vital for identifying opportunities, removing barriers and ensuring our economic diplomacy has real impact,” he added.
The engagement will also provide updates on preparations for the inaugural JMACITI meeting, which will formalise joint actions to promote industrialisation, value chain integration, and private sector cooperation across critical industries such as manufacturing, the digital economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and financial services.
Through initiatives like this, South Africa reaffirms its commitment to regional economic integration and to unlocking the continent’s potential through strategic partnerships that actively involve the private sector.
The session not only strengthens economic relations between South Africa and Nigeria but also supports broader objectives under the AfCFTA, aimed at transforming Africa into a powerful, self-reliant trading bloc through reduced barriers and enhanced industrial growth.
As Africa continues to prioritise regional trade expansion and infrastructure connectivity, platforms such as the South Africa-Nigeria engagement will play a central role in fostering a dynamic, inclusive economic future for the continent.
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