South African President Jacob Zuma and his counterpart in Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan are expected to discuss means of boosting trade between the two economies.
Mr Jonathan, who was scheduled to leave for the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, which opens in Cape Town next Wednesday, will now be leaving Abuja on Monday for a two-day visit ahead of the event.
According to the statement from his office, he will discuss the “ways of improving trade and economic relations between Nigeria and South Africa” with Mr Zuma and other South African government officials.
During the two days, Mr Jonathan will address the South African parliament and the two presidents are expected to attend a South Africa/Nigeria Business Forum meeting. Additionally, the Nigerian leader will also hold meetings with representatives of car manufacturers Toyota and Nissan in South Africa as well as with the South African-based MTN telecommunications firm, which is Nigeria’s largest mobile operator.
During the WEF, leaders from around the continent and abroad will look at new means of speeding up the diversification of economies and the growth of infrastructure.
Mr Jonathan’s delegation will include the foreign, trade, oil, agriculture, finance, and steel ministers in addition to some of Africa’s top businessmen. After his visit to South Africa; he will also pay a one-day state visit to Namibia to meet the President and the country’s business community.
