ACCI Hosts Lesotho Prime Minister, Seeks Stronger Nigeria–Lesotho Trade, Investment Partnerships
Oru Leonard
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intra-African trade and investment by hosting the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, at a high-level Nigeria–Lesotho Business-to-Business (B2B) Meeting in Abuja.
The engagement, held on Wednesday, brought together business leaders, government officials and investors from both countries to explore opportunities for deeper commercial cooperation across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, hospitality, tourism, information technology and other emerging industries.
Representing ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the Chamber’s Second Deputy President, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, received the Lesotho delegation and described the meeting as a major step towards advancing economic diplomacy and expanding trade relations between Nigeria and Lesotho.
Dr. Hong said the initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promoting intra-African trade, attracting investments and creating sustainable prosperity through stronger private sector collaboration. He reaffirmed ACCI’s role in promoting trade, commerce, investment and enterprise development while facilitating strategic partnerships that drive economic growth across Africa.
He also highlighted the Chamber’s specialised institutions, 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), which provide investment promotion, business development, policy advocacy and alternative dispute resolution services.
Addressing participants, Prime Minister Matekane said his visit to Abuja was aimed at showcasing Lesotho’s investment potential and connecting businesses in the Kingdom with Nigerian investors and entrepreneurs.
“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, while inviting Nigerian businesses to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Lesotho.
He commended Nigeria’s vibrant private sector and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between businesses in both countries would unlock new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.
Also speaking, ACCI Director-General, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, described the Chamber as the ideal platform for promoting business cooperation, trade facilitation and improved market access.
He urged businesses from both countries to sustain engagement and convert dialogue into tangible investments.
Lesotho’s Minister of Industry and Business Development, Hon. Motlatsi Mwalepo, emphasised the importance of purposeful collaboration between governments and the private sector, noting that sustained business engagement is essential for achieving mutually beneficial economic outcomes.
Chairman and Publisher of the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), Dr. Ola Giami, called on African business leaders to play a greater role in shaping policies that support economic growth and regional integration. He described ACCI as a credible platform for business networking, investor engagement and facilitating investment opportunities across the continent.
Participants expressed optimism that the Nigeria–Lesotho B2B Meeting would boost bilateral trade, increase investment flows, promote joint ventures, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The meeting concluded with business networking sessions aimed at fostering long-term partnerships and expanding commercial relations between Nigerian and Lesotho enterprises.
