Blissomo International Ltd. of Nigeria and MT Events and Projects Management CC of Namibia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and implement the Africa Cross-Border Commerce and Investment Summit. The agreement was signed simultaneously at the Nigerian and Namibian missions in Abuja and Windhoek during a virtual ceremony. This initiative aims to create a practical platform for businesses to access new markets, identify investment opportunities, and build partnerships between Nigeria, Namibia, and other African countries.
The Namibia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Walde Ndevashiya, described the MoU as a significant step towards advancing practical economic cooperation across Africa. He emphasized that the agreement demonstrated the role the private sector could play in promoting economic integration. Ndevashiya also highlighted the longstanding relations between Nigeria and Namibia, which are based on friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect. However, he noted that the relationship must evolve beyond government-to-government ties to foster stronger business-to-business and people-to-people partnerships.
Ndevashiya further stressed the importance of the MoU in providing a practical platform for connecting businesses, opening markets, and developing partnerships across Nigeria, Namibia, and the African continent. He encouraged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and declarations, focusing on establishing concrete business relationships, transactions, and investments. The High Commissioner assured the organisers of the continued support of the Namibian High Commission in Abuja in efforts to deepen economic cooperation between Nigeria and Namibia.
Namibia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, said the partnership emerged from contacts established during a business dinner organised in Namibia. The event brought together businesswomen and stakeholders from Nigeria and Namibia, with the initial interactions eventually developing into business relationships. Iipumbu described the development as a practical demonstration of the African proverb, “where there is a will, there is a way,” and encouraged other business leaders to explore similar partnerships.
The Deputy Director, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Trade Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abu-Ali Ndah, welcomed the partnership, describing the signing as a historic step towards establishing the Africa Cross-Border Commerce and Investment Summit. Ndah commended both companies for their commitment to advancing economic integration. He noted that the event was not just a ceremony but a practical step towards realising the profound economic aspirations of the continent.
The Chief Executive Officer of Blissomo International Ltd., Blessing Irabor-Oza, said the MoU represented more than a formal agreement, describing it as an expression of a shared vision for stronger economic connections across Africa. Irabor-Oza emphasized that African businesses could create greater value when connected to the right markets, capital, knowledge, institutions, and opportunities across borders. She said the partnership would strengthen commercial links among African businesses and expand access to markets and investment opportunities across the continent.
The Africa Cross-Border Commerce and Investment Summit is expected to bring together businesses, investors, and other stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities and establish partnerships across African markets. The initiative aligns with efforts to boost intra-African trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The summit aims to provide African businesses with opportunities to identify markets, investors, partners, and new commercial prospects.
Key points
- The MoU was signed to develop the Africa Cross-Border Commerce and Investment Summit.
- The summit aims to create a practical platform for businesses to access new markets and identify investment opportunities.
- The initiative aligns with efforts to boost intra-African trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
