At the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, African investors finalized approximately 32 business partnership agreements worth over $3.5 billion. These deals spanned across key economic sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.
This was disclosed by Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) in Lagos, 16 business agreements were signed between Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and various African companies during the two-day event.
The forum also witnessed the attendance of high-ranking officials, including several African leaders.
Notable African leaders present included Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of Liberia; Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Ruseell Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini; and K.C.D Mohadi, President of Zimbabwe.
Representing Nigeria at the forum was the country’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, who led the Nigerian delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Nigeria’s presence was part of the broader engagements aimed at strengthening ties between Indonesia and African nations.
The NICCI statement also highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This agreement is expected to further development cooperation efforts across Africa.
During the event, country-specific business forums were held, focusing on various industries such as mining, agriculture, renewable energy, health, and food security.
The forums, led by Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Mansury, featured discussions with representatives from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, among others.
Ishmael Balogun, President of the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spearheaded the Nigerian business delegation.
During the forum, members of the chamber participated in discussions and sealed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), further solidifying business relations between Nigerian and Indonesian firms.
On the sidelines of the main forum, the 3rd edition of the Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum (NIITF) 2024 was held at the Mulia Resort in Bali. The session commenced with a tea break and networking opportunities for global participants.
Following the recitation of the national anthems of both Nigeria and Indonesia, Ishmael Balogun delivered welcoming remarks.
Prof. Salawudeen Bin Ahmed, Chairman of Signature Global Real Estate and Standard Trust Insurance, delivered a presentation focused on the global insurance industry, spotlighting the firm’s over 40 years of business experience.
He emphasized the extensive opportunities within the insurance sector and the global market.
The keynote address was delivered by Yomi Benson, CEO of Sahara Energy Singapore PTE Ltd. Benson highlighted the significant growth of the Sahara Group, particularly in commodities trading, upstream and downstream operations, power, gas, and the emerging opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
The event served as a platform for fostering closer economic collaboration between African nations and Indonesia, with business leaders exploring new avenues for investment and partnership across a wide array of industries.
