At the rooftop of MTN Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos, a new chapter in Africa’s economic collaboration unfolded. On October 23, 2025, MTN hosted a landmark economic diplomacy roundtable that brought together key voices from government and business in Nigeria and South Africa, two nations often called the “twin engines” of Africa’s growth.
Themed “Africa’s Twin Engines: How Nigeria–South Africa Relations Can Position Africa as a Global Middle Power,” the gathering wasn’t just another dialogue; it was a meeting of visionaries determined to turn shared intent into real impact. Supported by the Lagos State Government and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the session explored how deeper ties between both countries could accelerate trade, innovation, and sustainable growth under the AfCFTA framework.
Lagos State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, described the city as “a natural gateway for African innovation,” emphasizing its role as the intersection of trade, talent, and technology. He noted that building stronger Nigeria–South Africa ties was not only beneficial but necessary for Africa’s collective progress.
For Her Excellency Thandi Moraka, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, the focus was on moving from goodwill to tangible collaboration. “Nigeria and South Africa share more than history; we share a responsibility for Africa’s future,” she said. “AfCFTA gives us the foundation, our partnership must bring it to life.”
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, echoed the urgency for action. “When South Africa and Nigeria act together, potential becomes progress,” he declared. He reaffirmed MTN’s dedication to providing the digital infrastructure and partnerships that make regional collaboration achievable.
The session’s panel, featuring Dr. Hamzat, Deputy Minister Moraka, Dr. Toriola, and Dr. Babatunde Ayeye, Executive Chairman of IFS Group, produced clear action points: the creation of a joint Nigeria–South Africa standards and e-certification pilot, a cross-border SME payments corridor, and a framework to enable the free movement of digital talent.
In essence, the roundtable signaled more than diplomacy, it was a promise of partnership. MTN’s leadership in convening this dialogue reflects its broader vision: a connected Africa where innovation drives opportunity, and collaboration fuels shared prosperity.
