Category: Foreign Affairs

  • South Africa To Partner Nigeria on Lithium for EV Growth, G20

    South Africa To Partner Nigeria on Lithium for EV Growth, G20

    South Africa is exploring opportunities to work with Nigeria on utilizing its lithium resources to boost the electric vehicle (EV) sector. 

    President Ramaphosa shared this vision during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, emphasizing the potential of Nigeria’s lithium reserves in supporting the green energy transition. 

    He called for increased collaboration between the private sector and development finance institutions to enhance infrastructure and manufacturing for the EV industry.

    Ramaphosa also highlighted the opportunity for joint efforts in the pharmaceutical sector and clean energy industries, as both nations are well-positioned to benefit from these growing sectors. 

    South Africa’s investment in renewable energy and green technologies is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, as part of a broader effort to move toward a low-carbon economy.

    Additionally, South Africa expressed strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20. Ramaphosa reiterated this during his meeting with Nigerian President Tinubu, underscoring the importance of amplifying Africa’s presence in global economic discussions. 

    He also mentioned that Africa, through the African Union’s recent G20 membership, is gaining recognition, and further inclusion of key African nations will strengthen the continent’s voice in global affairs.

  • We support You, Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala

    We support You, Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala

    President Bola Tinubu has assured Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the support of the government and people of Nigeria following her re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

    The development economist, who made history in 2021 as the first African and the first woman to lead the WTO, will continue in her role for another four years beginning September 1, 2025. 

    President Tinubu expressed his pleasure at Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous reappointment, highlighting it as a testament to the global trust in her leadership. 

    He recognized her dedication to advancing multilateral trade and fostering sustainable global economic growth. 

    Her work has played a key role in strengthening the WTO’s position as a vital organization for inclusive development.

    In his statement, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the WTO’s mission for a fair and equitable trading system. 

    As a member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria will continue to back the efforts to ensure that trade practices are inclusive and beneficial for all nations. 

    He assured Dr. Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s ongoing support as she moves forward with her reforms aimed at improving global trade relations and cooperation.

  • Despite rejection by Neighbours, Nigeria Seals €300m Deal with France

    Despite rejection by Neighbours, Nigeria Seals €300m Deal with France

    Even as former colonies disengage from her choking hold, President Tinubu is in a warm embrace with France, signing, on Thursday in Paris, two agreements worth over €300 million.

    Presidential resources reveal that the deal is aimed at advancing critical infrastructure and food security in Nigeria. 

    The agreements were formalized during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, which included a key economic forum at the Palais des Élysée in Paris.

     The event brought together leaders from both countries, including business executives, governors, and top officials, to discuss the future of their partnership.

    The agreements focus on several key sectors, including agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and renewable energy, with the goal of addressing pressing challenges and fostering sustainable growth across Nigeria.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Antoine Armand, signed a Letter of Intent outlining plans for collaboration in these critical areas.

     The package will be distributed across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, ensuring that all regions benefit from the financial and technical assistance.

    In addition, the financial cooperation will support Nigeria’s ambitious development projects in urban infrastructure, MSMEs, and food security. 

    As part of the deal, the French Development Agency (AFD) committed to funding agro-logistic hubs and other initiatives to improve energy access, agriculture, and small business support.

     The cooperation will also focus on enhancing educational opportunities, especially in STEM fields, to better prepare Nigeria’s workforce for future challenges.