By Nik Ogbulie
The Chairman of Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Dr Ije Jidenma, has emphasized that commitment remains a very important success factor if the association must achieve the essence of the desired businness relation between the two countries.
Jidenma made this known while conducting a courtesy visit to the South African High Commission in Nigeria, recently.
The Executive Council of the NSACC was received by Professor Bobby Moroe, the Consul-General & the Acting Ambassador of South Africa to Nigeria. The Board/ExCo of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber Of Commerce , The Management & Staff of the South African High Commission .
She noted that “It is a great delight for us to be here today. We are grateful to your Excellency for making this visit possible by accommodating our request within your already tight schedule. This demonstrates Africa’s warm hospitality for its people. Warmth and hospitality are indeed binding forces between the people of our two countries, Nigeria and South Africa. There is no doubt that our geographic, historical and cultural ties are inescapable even as we seek to improve on our business and economic ties. We must work together to harness the infinite opportunities that lie ahead. We feel very much at home working with your good self as you have demonstrated that you have a helicopter view of what we can achieve working together as a continent. On behalf of the Nigeria-South Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), I would like to thank you for the steady progress made and invaluable support the South African High Commission has rendered in facilitating the visa process for our members. The High Commission’s assistance has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of our mission of strengthening the bonds between Nigeria and South Africa and advancing our shared goals in industry, trade, investment and diplomatic relations.”
The Chairman noted that, their shared commitment to foster stronger bilateral ties between the two countries remains at the core of this relationship. NSACC Vision and aspiration are to be a strategic interface in promoting the interest of members of the Nigeria-South Africa business community.”
She noted that, “The partnership between the Chamber and the South African High Commission has the potential to drive significant value for the two countries. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement ( AfCFTA ) established in 2018 by the African Union is something our two countries have to explore fully at various levels. For instance, we understand that companies such as MoMo PSB, the fintech subsidiary of MTN enables direct payments to several African countries through its app and USSD channels. The example shows remarkable progress that we are making in actualising the economic ties that abound.”
The visitor outlined the following are key areas where the see mutual benefits and where the anticipate support and collaboration between the Chamber and the Embassy: 1. Facilitation of Trade and investment Our goal is to work in tandem with your Embassy in terms of serving as key information desk on Nigeria and South Africa for our businesses, thereby providing guidance and facilitating their orientation. 2. Visa Travel Support We seek continued visa support especially in respect of the grant of long-term multiple-entry visas to our business people. 3. Cultural and Educational Exchanges There is no doubt that these can be strengthened. The burgeoning creativity in the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria and the well-structured South African tourism as obtainable in Cape town can do with a handshake. Also, educational exchanges highlighting our joint struggles will go a long way in binding us together. 4. Joint Advocacy for Policy and Regional Integration. We plan to work together with our policy makers in government in advancing regional integration. 5. Collaboration on Sustainable Development Initiatives Actions that aim to improve the environment, economy and society have our full support as we are here for the long haul. 6. Regular Communication and Coordination. We are pleased with the ease of communication that exists between our two organisations both formally and informally and would like us to continue to build on it.
The Chamber organises trade missions and delegations to South Africa which serve as a platform for South African businesses looking to explore trade opportunities. “We intend to do so this year and can partner with you in organising joint events, including trade expos, diplomatic roundtables and cultural showcases, which highlight the strengths of both nations and promote bilateral cooperation. Finally, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of our Chamber. We have events lined up which we would like you and your team to be fully involved in. We look forward to working together more closely in the coming months and years to achieve our shared objectives.”
