South Africa urges Nigeria to protect 40% of Africa’s GDP

South African Consul General Bobby Moroe urged Nigeria and South Africa to protect their joint 40% contribution to Africa’s GDP by resolving social frictions and curbing anti-migrant sentiment.

Speaking at a Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) session in Lagos, South African Consul General Prof. Bobby Moroe urged both nations to protect their joint 40% contribution to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product. Moroe emphasised that strengthening cross-border trade in refining, fintech, and renewable energy requires resolving recent social frictions, curbing anti-migrant sentiment, and guaranteeing protection for foreign residents.

The call reflects the economic interdependence of Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies. Together, they account for 40% of the continent’s GDP, and any disruption to their bilateral relationship has continental implications. The recent xenophobic violence in South Africa has strained ties, and Moroe’s call is an attempt to refocus attention on shared economic interests.

This echoes the 2019 diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, which also threatened trade and investment. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a recognition that political tensions have economic consequences.

The winners: businesses in both countries, which benefit from cross-border trade; and the African continent, which benefits from economic integration. The losers: migrants, who face violence and discrimination; and the Nigerian and South African governments, which must manage the tensions.

Bottom Line: Nigeria and South Africa control 40% of Africa’s GDP. The message is clear: political tensions are hurting the economy. The question is whether the two countries can set aside differences and protect their shared interests.