The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intra-African trade and private sector partnerships as it hosted the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, The Right Honourable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, at a high-level Nigeria Lesotho Business-to-Business (B2B) Meeting in Abuja.
The engagement, held on Wednesday, brought together government officials, business leaders and investors from both countries to explore new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Prime Minister Matekane led a high-powered delegation from Lesotho to the Chamber, where they were received on behalf of the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, by the Chamber’s Second Deputy President, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong.
The meeting focused on expanding commercial partnerships across critical sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, hospitality, tourism, information technology and other emerging industries, with participants seeking practical pathways to increase bilateral investment and market access.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Dr. Hong described the engagement as another milestone in Africa’s economic integration efforts, saying the initiative reflected the shared determination of Nigeria and Lesotho to strengthen economic diplomacy through private sector-led collaboration.
He noted that increased cooperation between businesses in both countries would not only boost trade volumes but also create jobs, attract investments and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Dr. Hong reiterated ACCI’s role as Nigeria’s leading private sector institution, explaining that the Chamber remains committed to promoting trade, commerce, investment, entrepreneurship and policy advocacy while facilitating strategic partnerships that enhance economic development.
He also highlighted several specialised institutions established by the Chamber to support businesses, including the Abuja Trade Centre, the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, the National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC) and the Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC).
According to him, the centres provide investment promotion services, business capacity development, policy support and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to improve the business environment.
The Prime Minister Matekane said his visit to Abuja was designed to showcase Lesotho’s investment potential and create direct connections between businesses in Lesotho and Nigerian investors.
He stressed that Lesotho is committed to building lasting partnerships with Nigerian enterprises and remains open to investors seeking opportunities in key sectors of its economy.
“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.
He further commended Nigeria’s dynamic private sector, expressing confidence that stronger business collaboration between both countries would unlock fresh opportunities for economic growth, industrial development and regional prosperity.
The ACCI Director General, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, welcomed the Lesotho delegation and described the Chamber as the ideal platform for promoting business cooperation, trade facilitation and improved market access across Africa.
He urged businesses from both countries to move beyond discussions by translating dialogue into concrete investments, commercial partnerships and mutually beneficial ventures capable of delivering measurable economic impact.
The Minister of Industry and Business Development of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Hon. Motlatsi Mwalepo, underscored the importance of sustained engagement between governments and the private sector, noting that purposeful collaboration is essential for achieving meaningful economic outcomes.
The Chairman and Publisher of the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), Dr. Ola Giami, encouraged African business leaders to become more actively involved in shaping policies that support economic growth, regional integration and private sector competitiveness.
He described ACCI as a credible platform for business networking, investor engagement and facilitating investment opportunities capable of driving development across the continent.
Participants at the meeting expressed optimism that the Nigeria–Lesotho Business-to-Business forum would lead to stronger trade relations, increased investment flows, joint ventures, technology transfer and enhanced commercial cooperation between both countries under the AfCFTA framework.
