South Africa reliant on Nigeria for a staggering 70% of oil imports

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South Africa imports more than 70 per cent of its crude oil from Nigeria, highlighting the West African nation’s critical role as a major energy supplier to the Southern African region.

Acting High Commissioner and Consul General of the Republic of South Africa, Bobby Moroe, revealed this at the Outward Selling Mission Programme held in Lagos, stressing the strategic importance of Nigeria in regional energy security.

Moroe noted that Nigeria leverages South Africa’s geographic advantage as a hub to distribute oil and other products to neighboring countries, including Botswana, Mozambique, and Lesotho.

“This initiative is about more than trade—it is about building on our shared history and creating opportunities that benefit both nations,” he said.

The Outward Selling Mission, hosted annually by South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, returned in 2025 after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme aims to revitalize economic ties, expand existing markets, and explore new avenues of collaboration between the two nations.

A diverse delegation of South African businesses participated, spanning engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, mining, agriculture, and agro-processing.

Moroe emphasized that beyond oil, significant opportunities exist for cooperation in road rehabilitation, housing construction, technology transfer, and industrial projects.

“Both Nigeria and South Africa, as two of Africa’s largest economies, must lead the continent’s push for industrialization and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Together, we can position Africa as a global economic powerhouse,” Moroe added, noting that trade volumes currently favor Nigeria.

Iyke Ejimofor, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), said the programme offers Nigerian entrepreneurs direct access to South African business leaders, facilitating partnerships, technology sharing, and sectoral growth.

“Sectors such as agriculture, mining, and engineering stand to benefit greatly from South Africa’s expertise, enabling Nigeria to enhance its industrial capacity and diversify economic activities,” Ejimofor explained.

Similarly, Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of the South Africa-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of collaboration between the two countries.

“We all share a collective responsibility to make Africa great. Strong partnerships between Nigeria and South Africa are not just important—they are essential for the continent’s progress,” she said, highlighting the shared history of the nations in Africa’s liberation and integration movements.

Cultural engagement was also emphasized as a crucial aspect of bilateral relations.

With Lagos hosting the renewed mission, participants agreed that collaboration should extend beyond business to embrace cultural exchange.

Afrobeats and Amapiano, the popular music exports of Nigeria and South Africa respectively, were recognized as natural bridges to strengthen ties between the countries.

Moroe concluded, “This is more than business—it is about shaping Africa’s future. Energy, trade, and culture together create the foundation for sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.”

Analysts note that Nigeria’s position as South Africa’s primary oil supplier underscores the importance of strengthening energy infrastructure, improving export logistics, and fostering closer diplomatic relations to secure long-term trade benefits.

With the AfCFTA providing a continental platform for seamless trade, both nations are poised to leverage this momentum to drive industrial growth and economic integration across Africa.

As bilateral trade initiatives gain traction, the Nigeria-South Africa partnership serves as a model for leveraging historical ties, energy resources, and cultural influence to strengthen regional economies, enhance industrial capacity, and position Africa more competitively on the global stage.

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