'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Federal Republic of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Indonesia, emphasizing the significant economic potential and avenues for collaboration between the two nations. This commitment was underscored during the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum, held from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia, where Nigeria played a prominent role in discussions aimed at bolstering economic cooperation.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the forum, Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, led the Nigerian delegation to the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Joint Leaders Session. Minister Idris articulated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering stronger partnerships with Indonesia, highlighting that both regions have much to gain from enhanced cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
“The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, aimed at propelling both our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future,” said Minister Idris. He emphasized Nigeria's readiness to leverage shared strengths and resources, focusing on critical pillars including economic transformation, energy and mining, food and health security, and the digital economy. These areas, according to the Minister, are fundamental to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits both nations.
The forum underscored the vast economic and demographic potential of Africa and Indonesia, which together represent over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion. Bringing together Heads of State, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from across both regions, the event served as a platform to discuss economic cooperation, address global challenges, and explore avenues for mutual growth and development.
A key highlight of Nigeria’s participation was the nation’s leadership in advancing the African Union's Agenda 2063—a strategic framework aimed at achieving socio-economic transformation across the continent. Minister Idris drew attention to President Tinubu's comprehensive agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development at the national level. He also noted Nigeria's efforts to enhance regional trade, infrastructure, and political stability through President Tinubu’s leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The discussions at the forum also spotlighted Nigeria's active role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is seen as a crucial driver for boosting intra-African trade and industrialization. Minister Idris highlighted Nigeria’s strategic initiatives in this regard, particularly in the areas of industrialization and infrastructure development.
In addition to economic discussions, the forum paid homage to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, which laid the foundation for Asia-Africa relations. The delegates called for increased interaction between the continents, particularly in trade, investment, and development cooperation. A specific emphasis was placed on the importance of Africa moving beyond being a mere exporter of raw materials to becoming a center of production. In this context, the trans-Saharan Gas pipeline projects between Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco were highlighted as examples of the kind of collaborative projects that can drive Africa's industrialization.
The event, attended by delegates from 22 African countries and five non-African countries, further solidified the Indonesia-Africa Forum's role as a strategic platform for bolstering economic ties between Indonesia and African nations. The forum's discussions and outcomes are expected to pave the way for stronger partnerships that will contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity across both regions.
About the Indonesia-Africa Forum
The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform to bolster economic ties between Indonesia and African nations. It facilitates dialogue, fosters partnerships, and promotes sustainable development through collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and the digital economy.
