FOREIGN RELATIONS
ADEKEYE ADEBAJO: SA and Nigeria hold the key for Africa’s development
While Nigeria represents the most indigenously diverse country in Africa, South Africa is undoubtedly the continent’s most westernised state
With the recent assumption of SA’s presidency by Cyril Ramaphosa, whose Shanduka Group had a minority stake in telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria, it will be important for SA and Nigeria to re-establish a common strategic approach if Africa’s voice is to carry weight on the global stage. Nigeria and SA account for about a third of Africa’s economic might and have led much of its conflict management initiatives over the past two and a half decades. Both account for over 60% of the economy of their respective subregions. The success of regional integration in Africa thus rests heavily on the shoulders of these two regional Gullivers. Both countries have built the institutions of the AU, though they have also competed on issues such as Ivory Coast and Libya.This rivalry can be compared to that between an eagle and a springbok: national sporting symbols in each country. As a Nigerian who has lived and worked in SA since 2003, this author is particularly well placed to observe this rel...
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