5th November, 2015
South Africa has expressed concern over a N1.04 trillion (5.2 billion dollars) imposed by Nigerian authorities on MTN Group.
However, the country said it would not affect the cordial relations between the continent’s two biggest economies, a cabinet minister said on Thursday.
South African Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe told reporters “obviously as government we are concerned” and said the cabinet hoped that the talks between MTN and Nigerian authorities on the fine would bear fruit.
On 4 November, South African lawmakers raised concerned over MTN Group’s alleged violation of Nigerian laws and noted that it could hurt trade relations between the continent’s two biggest economies.
“It is important for South Africa to increase trade relations with other African countries but if something like this happens we get worried about our reputation and the impact that would have on South African companies wishing to expand on the continent,” head of the parliamentary telecoms portfolio, Mmamoloko Kubayi told Reuters.