Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead Nigeria’s delegation at the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum, scheduled for September 1st to 3rd, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia.
This year’s forum, titled “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2023,” pays tribute to the landmark 1955 Asian-African Conference, commonly referred to as the Bandung Conference, which played a crucial role in promoting unity and cooperation between Asia and Africa. The theme seeks to enhance the alignment between Indonesia’s Vision 2045 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia has been robust and amicable, evolving significantly over the years. Indonesia has recognized Nigeria as its key investment partner in Africa from 2022 to 2026, highlighting Nigeria’s economic potential and favorable investment climate. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached an impressive USD 6 billion in 2023, a substantial increase from USD 4 billion a decade earlier.
Indonesia’s support for Nigeria extends well beyond trade; in 2023, the Indonesian government donated 1.58 million doses of the Pentavalent vaccine, valued at nearly USD 2 million, to aid Nigeria in its efforts to safeguard children against serious diseases.
During his visit to Indonesia, Minister Idris plans to present Nigeria’s investment opportunities across diverse sectors, while also showcasing the socio-economic progress achieved under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He will advocate for greater engagement of Nigerian businesses within the Indonesian market.
Expressing his excitement for the upcoming forum, Minister Mohammed remarked, “I am eager to represent His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria at the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum. I believe this event will mark another significant step in strengthening the relationship between Indonesia, Nigeria, and Africa at large.”
The forum is anticipated to further enhance the historical connections between Indonesia and African nations, promoting increased collaboration and mutual advantages.
In a related development, to bolster Nigeria-Australia relations in the mining sector, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, recently visited Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake. During the meeting, High Commissioner Bin-Juda extended an invitation for Dr. Alake to participate in the prestigious African Down Under (ADU) conference, set to take place in Perth, Australia, from September 4th to 6th, 2024.
The ADU conference is a premier event that unites key players in Africa’s mining industry, offering a platform for discussions on investment opportunities, technological innovations, and bilateral partnerships.
