Kazakhstan and Nigeria Discuss Prospects for Expanding Cooperation
The Kazakhstan-Nigeria Business Conference was held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, under the chairmanship of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, King of the Yoruba people in Ile-Ife. The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Kuantyrov. The conference aimed to strengthen trade and economic ties, discuss investment opportunities, and explore cooperation prospects in strategic economic sectors.
The visit of the Kazakh delegation to Nigeria followed the talks between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which took place earlier in Abu Dhabi.
The event was attended by Kazakhstan’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Algeria, Anuarbek Akhmetov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, Kairat Torebayev, as well as representatives of government agencies, quasi-state entities, and the private sector. On the Nigerian side, participants included Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Farouk Yusuf Yabo, heads of the country’s largest banks, and more than 30 representatives of private businesses.
Key areas of partnership were discussed at the event, including the simplification of visa procedures for citizens and diplomats of both countries, as well as the potential establishment of direct air travel to strengthen economic and trade ties.
Special attention was given to digitalization and innovation. Kazakhstan and Nigeria are exploring cooperation in the IT sector, construction of data centers, and development of fintech solutions. The discussions also addressed advancements in digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance financial operations, strengthen human capital, and optimize business processes. Additionally, the parties discussed collaboration in subsoil use, as well as export opportunities for Kazakh goods to Nigeria and the African continent.
One of the key topics was cooperation in the agro-industrial sector. The discussions included prospects for exporting Kazakh agricultural products, including grain and oilseed crops, as well as the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies.
At the conclusion of the discussions, Alibek Kuantyrov emphasized that the conference marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
"This visit is of particular significance, as it is the first official visit of a Kazakh delegation to Nigeria. We are confident that today’s discussions will lay the foundation for a deep, structured, and mutually beneficial partnership between our countries. Kazakhstan and Nigeria not only possess abundant natural resources but also have immense economic potential that can be unlocked through joint projects in energy, agriculture, digital technologies, and industrial production."
Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and highlighted the significant potential for further trade and economic development. Additional meetings are scheduled in the coming days with representatives of Nigerian ministries and major companies, including within the framework of the energy forum currently taking place in Abuja.
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Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and the most populous country on the continent, with a population of over 220 million people. The country boasts rich natural resources, a rapidly developing market, and strategic potential for international cooperation across various economic sectors.
