Darkey Africa, the Consul-General of the South African High Commission in Nigeria, on Tuesday said that the current economic situation in Nigeria was not enough to compel South African companies to leave the country.
Africa told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that instead of leaving, more investment should be expected in Nigeria from South African companies in the years ahead.
Africa said: “Let me say that the hundreds of South African companies in Nigeria have never given any indication to want to leave Nigeria, even with the country’s current economic situation.
“South Africa and Nigeria are very important business partners. We are all aware of Nigeria’s current challenges and must, therefore, strive together in growing the economies of our two countries.
“We also believe that as real investors, business partners should be able to take everything into account and be prepared for any risks.”
Africa said his government was looking at the possibility of making more South African companies come to take advantage of existing business prospects in Nigeria.
The consul-general also said that there had recently been meetings between the South African and Nigerian business communities on how best to facilitate business transactions between the two countries.
Africa said that many South African companies had already indicated their interest to come and actively participate in this month’s Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual International Trade Fair.
Africa further said: “We are looking at the possibilities of making more South African companies come to look at more business prospects in Nigeria.
“We are expecting a very high powered business delegation from South Africa to this month’s International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“These are all efforts to increase trade, business andpeople-to-people interactions between the South Africans and the Nigerian business community.”
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