IAF 2024: Nigeria restates commitment to partnership with Indonesia

*The Federal Republic of Nigeria underscores the West African country’s commitment to deepening ties with Indonesia, highlighting untapped economic potential and promising avenues for collaboration between the two economies at the ongoing second Indonesia-Africa Forum holding in Bali, Indonesia

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has underscored the country’s commitment to deepening ties with Indonesia in highlighting untapped economic potential and promising avenues for collaboration between the two economies.

Nigeria has reaffirmed this at the ongoing second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), holding September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, led the Nigerian delegation to the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Joint Leaders Session.

Idris reiterated the West African country’s dedication to fostering a stronger partnership with Indonesia.

The Minister also emphasised that both regions stand to gain significantly from enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

He also stated: “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.

“Nigeria is committed to leveraging our shared strengths and resources to focus on critical pillars such as economic transformation, energy and mining, food and health security, and the digital economy.

“These are the foundations upon which our future cooperation will be built, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth beneficial to all our nations.”

The statement noted the international forum as well highlighted the significant 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.

The event brought together Heads of State, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from across the regions to discuss economic cooperation, address global challenges, and explore avenues for mutual sustainable growth and development.

Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 was also a focal point during the discussions.

Idris further emphasised President Tinubu’s comprehensive agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development at the national level, as well as his efforts to enhancing regional trade, infrastructure, and political stability through his leadership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The country’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was noted as a key driver for boosting intra-African trade and industrialisation.

The event, attended by delegates from 22 African countries and five non-African countries, also paid homage to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, which laid the groundwork for Asia-Africa relations.

The meeting urged increased interaction between the continents in terms of trade, investment, and development cooperation.

The Forum equally emphasised that Africa should move beyond being a mere exporter of raw materials to becoming a centre of production, with specific recognition given to the trans-Saharan Gas pipeline projects between Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.

About the Indonesia-Africa Forum

The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform to bolster economic ties between Indonesia and African nations.

The forum facilitates dialogue, fosters partnerships, and promotes sustainable development through collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and the digital economy.