Bali, Indonesia — Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Indonesia, focusing on the vast untapped potential between the two nations. T
his initiative was highlighted during the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum, held from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the forum. In a statement released by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Press, Suleiman Haruna, Idris participated in high-level discussions aimed at fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships and enhancing bilateral relations.
Idris emphasized Nigeria’s eagerness to harness shared strengths in key areas such as economic transformation, energy, mining, food and health security, and the digital economy. “The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, propelling our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future,” he stated. “We are dedicated to leveraging our shared resources to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
The forum underscored the economic and demographic significance of Africa and Indonesia, which together represent over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion. Attendees included heads of state, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders who explored avenues for enhancing economic cooperation and addressing global challenges.
A key focus of the discussions was Nigeria’s role in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Idris highlighted President Tinubu’s ambitious agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development, alongside Nigeria’s leadership in promoting regional trade and stability through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The forum also noted Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is crucial for boosting intra-African trade and industrialization. Delegates from 22 African nations and five non-African countries participated in the event, which paid tribute to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, recognizing its foundational role in fostering Asia-Africa relations.
Participants called for increased trade, investment, and development cooperation, emphasizing the need for Africa to transition from a raw material exporter to a production hub. Discussions included specific attention to the trans-Saharan gas pipeline projects involving Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.
The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform to enhance economic collaboration between Indonesia and African nations, facilitating dialogue, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainable development in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and the digital economy.
