Edo State, South Africa move to strength bilateral ties

The Edo State government and the South African government are exploring ways to revitalise and strengthen their bilateral relations. Representatives from both governments met in Benin City to discuss potential collaborations across various sectors.

Bobby J. Moroe, a professor, South Africa’s ambassador to Nigeria, and his team recently met with Amen Odigie, managing director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, and his team at ESIPO.

During the meeting, Ambassador Moroe emphasised the importance of rekindling the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa. He noted ESIPO’s role in facilitating communication between the government and private sector, suggesting a more coordinated approach to leveraging opportunities between the two sub-nationals.

According to him, “We are focusing on key areas such as technology, agro-processing, tourism, and hospitality. We want to explore how we can capitalise on the opportunities within these sectors.”

He also extended an invitation for Edo State to participate in the upcoming South Africa Week in Lagos in April, 2025, suggesting a cultural performance by an Edo cultural group and opportunities to connect with South African businesses operating in Nigeria.

The Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Amen Odigie responded enthusiastically, highlighting the numerous possibilities for collaboration, especially given Nigeria’s position as the largest economy in Africa.

“As a state, we are interested in collaboration within the aforementioned sectors. Mining is another sector we believe we have to offer because, Edo state has a lot of untapped solid minerals. We have Gold, Lithium, Bitumen, Granite, Limestone, Dolomite and so many other mineral resources. So, we really want to tap into these opportunities.

“We have been given the mandate to bring investors into this space to develop the state. And for us, in this administration, along with agriculture and other sectors, mining sector is also key and I know South Africa is big on mining,” he said.

He emphasised the Edo State government’s focus on technology transfer, entrepreneurship training for the state’s large youth population (approximately 68%).

“As a state, we are interested in human capital development. We want to be able to create opportunities for our youths, developing training pogrammes in collaboration with South African institutions to build capacity in numerous sectors, technology inclusive, thereby taking the youths out of unemployment. ESIPO and the Edo State government assure you of our full collaboration. Edo State is rich in opportunities and we are open for business,” Odigie further said.

Following the meeting with ESIPO, Ambassador Moroe and his team also engaged with the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BEMCCIMA) and heads of other government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). He expressed his commitment to working with Edo State on a clearly defined action plan with specific timelines.