Free Trade

 Johannesburg-based businessman R.J. van Spaandonk has the official license to import Apple computers, phones, tablets and other products into both the South African and Nigerian markets. He told IPS that the proposed FTA would send a very positive signal, as the two governments seem to be getting closer and closer all the time.

“But in practice the benefits may be limited. Many South African companies operate in Nigeria through non-South Africa entities, so it is not clear if they could be considered as beneficiaries of such an FTA.”

However, he did suggest that it would be a welcome move if it were to make it easier to trade between Nigeria and South Africa.

Jabu Mabuza, president of Business Unity South Africa, said that there is big potential for closer relations between the two countries, but said he would need more time to decide whether or not an FTA was the best approach.

“I personally welcome the coming together and reigniting of the relationship between our two nations.

“To the extent we can have mutual socially and politically-rewarding relations, we should do all that it takes.”

However, Dianna Games, the chief executive of Consultancy Africa @ Work, told IPS that she believes there is enough current and future trade between both nations to look at the issue of an FTA. However, she is concerned about the lack of non-oil trade from Nigeria to South Africa.