African voices to gather in Lagos for landmark roundtable on South Africa’s changing relationship with the continent

Leading journalists, academics, policymakers, and public intellectuals from across Africa will converge in Lagos and online on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for a high-level Pan-African roundtable examining the evolving relationship between South Africa and the rest of the continent.

The event is organised by the prestigious League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS).

It will begin at 2:00 p.m. (Lagos time). Participants may attend in person at the CIAPS Auditorium in Lagos or join virtually from across Africa and beyond.

According to a statement issued by the League’s Communication Secretary,  Ikechukwu Amaechi, the roundtable is themed: “From Mayibuye iAfrika to Abahambe! South Africa and Other African Countries: Reflections on the Trajectory of a Relationship.”

The discussion will explore how relations between South Africa and other African nations have evolved since the struggle against apartheid, examining the political, economic, diplomatic, cultural, and media dimensions of a relationship that has inspired both solidarity and controversy.

Confirming the event, the Secretary-General of the League of Nigerian Columnists, Prof. Anthony Kila, said the roundtable aims to foster an honest, balanced, and forward-looking conversation on one of the continent’s most consequential relationships.

“South Africa occupies a unique place in Africa’s political imagination. For many across the continent, its liberation was celebrated as Africa’s liberation. Yet, decades after apartheid, the relationship between South Africa and other African countries has become increasingly complex. This roundtable seeks to examine that journey with intellectual honesty and a commitment to strengthening African solidarity,” he said.

The forum will bring together distinguished commentators and thought leaders from across the continent to reflect on the roles played by governments, business, civil society, the media, and citizens in shaping perceptions and partnerships between South Africa and its African neighbours.

The programme features an impressive pan-African line-up of speakers, including:

• Joel Konopo (Botswana)

• Toivo Ndjebela (Namibia)

• Mbongeni Mbingo (Eswatini)

• Sylvia Nankya (Uganda)

• Dominic Hlordzi (Ghana)

• Modou Joof (The Gambia)

• Julius Kanubah (Liberia)

• Thomas Dixon (Sierra Leone)

• Prof. Shepherd Mpofu (South Africa)

• Dr Bravious Kahyoza (Tanzania)

• Wanza Kioko (Kenya)

• Dr Limukani Mathe (Zimbabwe)

The Nigerian delegation will include some of the country’s most respected columnists and public affairs commentators, among them Tola Adeniyi, President of the League of Nigerian Columnists; Ray Ekpu, who will chair the roundtable; Prof. Anthony Kila, who will moderate the discussions; Dare Babarinsa; Martins Oloja; and Donu Kogbara.

Organisers say the roundtable is expected to generate thoughtful debate on the future of Pan-African cooperation, regional integration, migration, diplomacy, media narratives, economic partnerships, and the broader ideals of African unity in the twenty-first century.

The event forms part of the League of Nigerian Columnists’ continuing commitment to promoting informed public discourse on issues of continental significance and creating platforms for meaningful engagement among African thinkers and opinion leaders.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖