Nigeria, Indonesia forge stronger economic ties
By Ezekiel David
Nigeria and Indonesia are strengthening their economic ties, recognising the significant potential for collaboration in various sectors.
During the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the untapped economic potential and avenues for cooperation.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Idris led the Nigerian delegation to the forum, emphasising the shared goals of enhanced trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. Nigeria is committed to fostering a stronger partnership with Indonesia, with the aim of achieving mutual economic growth and prosperity.
Idris stated that the Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, focussing on key pillars such as economic transformation, energy and mining, food and health security, and the digital economy. These areas will be crucial for driving inclusive and sustainable growth for both nations.
The forum highlighted the significant economic and demographic potential of both Africa and Indonesia, with a combined population of over 1.7 billion and a GDP of $4.4 trillion. Heads of state, government officials, and business leaders from across the regions discussed economic cooperation, global challenges, and opportunities for mutual sustainable growth and development.
Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 was also a key focus. The information minister highlighted President Tinubu’s comprehensive agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development, as well as his efforts to enhance regional trade, infrastructure, and political stability through his leadership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was noted as a key driver for boosting intra-African trade and industrialisation. The event also paid homage to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, which laid the groundwork for Asia-Africa relations.
The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform to bolster economic ties between Indonesia and African nations, facilitating dialogue, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainable development through collaboration in key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and the digital economy. This includes specific recognition of the trans-Saharan gas pipeline projects between Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.
(Source: ThisDay)
