Policymakers, business leaders and investors from Nigeria and Liberia have thrown their weight behind deeper economic ties between African nations, arguing that such partnerships would drive trade, investment and regional competitiveness. They believe the continent needs to go beyond diplomatic niceties and build real commercial relationships that spur industrialisation, job creation and sustainable growth.
The push comes as the African Continental Free Trade Area gains momentum and pressure mounts for stronger economic integration across Africa. Regional collaboration is the key to unlocking the continent's vast economic potential, stakeholders argue.
Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, made this case at the Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum recently. Joseph Umar, managing director of the Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board, represented the minister at the event.
Oduwole said stronger partnerships between African economies would stimulate trade and investment while boosting regional competitiveness and creating value chains that benefit businesses across the continent. He praised the Liberian government for organising the forum and pledged Nigeria's support for initiatives promoting cross-border investment and West African economic cooperation.
The Liberian government convened the forum through its embassy in Nigeria and the office of its honorary Consul General in Lagos. It brought together government officials, diplomats, investors, development partners, financial institutions and business leaders under the theme "Building Bridges for Shared Prosperity: Strengthening Liberia–Nigeria Trade and Investment Partnership."
Participants explored investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, mining, technology, the digital economy and tourism. Discussions centred on improving market access, easing business regulations and creating policy environments that attract long-term investment.
Liberian government representatives outlined their country's reform agenda and investment prospects, promising a transparent and business-friendly environment for sustainable economic transformation. The forum featured investment pitches, strategic business meetings and sector-specific networking sessions designed to connect Liberian and Nigerian firms and investors.
Dapo Akionsun, honorary Consul to Liberia in Lagos, called for the forum to chart a new course. "Let this inaugural forum mark a new chapter: from goodwill to goods moving across our borders; from friendship to financing; from conversations to contracts; and from promises to projects that create jobs and improve lives," he said.
Organisers hailed the forum as a critical move towards building lasting structures for economic cooperation between the two nations.
