Nigeria has signaled its commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Indonesia, particularly in areas of trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized this during his participation at the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, held from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Minister Idris led the Nigerian delegation to the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Joint Leaders Session. He highlighted the untapped economic potential between Nigeria and Indonesia, stressing the importance of leveraging shared strengths in sectors like 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, aimed at propelling both our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future," Idris stated. He also noted Nigeria's dedication to advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing the role of Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver for boosting intra-African trade and industrialization.
The forum, which brought together delegates from 22 African countries and five non-African nations, highlighted the combined economic and demographic potential of Africa and Indonesia. Together, they represent over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion.
The event also underscored the historical significance of the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, and called for increased interaction between Africa and Asia in trade, investment, and development cooperation. Specific attention was given to the potential of Africa moving beyond raw material exportation to becoming a hub for production, with particular recognition of the trans-Saharan Gas pipeline projects between Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.
The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform for fostering dialogue, partnerships, and sustainable development, reinforcing economic ties between Indonesia and African nations.
