The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has hosted the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, at a high-level Nigeria–Lesotho Business-to-Business (B2B) meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and private sector collaboration between the two countries.
The Prime Minister led a high-powered delegation to the Chamber, where he was received on behalf of the ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu (SAN), by the Chamber’s Second Deputy President, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong.
The meeting brought together business leaders from Nigeria and Lesotho to explore investment opportunities and deepen commercial partnerships across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, hospitality, tourism, information technology, and other emerging industries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hong described the engagement as a significant step towards strengthening economic diplomacy and expanding commercial ties between both nations.
He said the meeting reflected the shared commitment of Nigeria and Lesotho to promoting intra-African trade, attracting investment, and driving sustainable economic growth through private sector partnerships.
He reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to promoting trade, commerce, investment, enterprise development, and policy advocacy while facilitating strategic partnerships across Africa.
Dr. Hong also highlighted the Chamber’s specialised centres, including the Abuja Trade Centre, Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC), and Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), which provide businesses with investment promotion, capacity building, policy advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution services.
Prime Minister Matekane said his visit to Abuja was aimed at showcasing Lesotho’s investment opportunities and connecting businesses in the Kingdom with Nigerian investors and entrepreneurs.
He said Lesotho was ready to build lasting partnerships with Nigerian businesses, stressing that the country remains open to investors committed to driving economic transformation.
“Our mission is to build meaningful business relationships that will transform partnerships into investments and investments into prosperity for our people,” the Prime Minister said, urging Nigerian businesses to explore opportunities in Lesotho.
He also praised Nigeria’s vibrant private sector and expressed confidence that stronger business collaboration between both countries would unlock new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.
The Director-General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, described the Chamber as the ideal platform for promoting business cooperation, trade facilitation, and improved market access. He called for sustained engagement between businesses in both countries to translate discussions into concrete investments.
Also speaking, Lesotho’s Minister of Industry and Business Development, Hon. Motlatsi Mwalepo, emphasised the need for purposeful collaboration between governments and the private sector, noting that meaningful business engagements are essential to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
Chairman and Publisher of the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), Dr. Ola Giami, urged African business leaders to play a more active role in shaping policies that promote economic growth and regional integration.
He described ACCI as a credible platform for business networking, investor engagement, and facilitating investment opportunities.
Participants expressed optimism that the Nigeria–Lesotho B2B meeting would strengthen trade, increase investment flows, promote joint ventures and technology transfer, and enhance economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The event concluded with networking sessions designed to foster strategic partnerships and lasting commercial relationships between businesses from Nigeria and Lesotho.
