The arrival of Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez in Abuja signals a watershed moment in Nigeria-Colombia relations, marking unprecedented cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and one of South America’s most influential nations. This three-day official visit, running from August 30 to September 1, 2025, represents the highest-level Colombian diplomatic engagement with Nigeria in recent history and showcases the growing significance of South-South cooperation in global geopolitics.
Francia Márquez, who made history in 2022 as Colombia’s first Afro-descendant Vice President, was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, alongside Ministers Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (Women Affairs) and Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure (FCT State). Her arrival, accompanied by her spouse Rafael Yerney Pinillo Ocoró and a high-level delegation including cabinet ministers and business leaders, underscores the strategic importance both nations place on this diplomatic initiative.
Comprehensive Partnership Framework Emerges
The visit encompasses an ambitious agenda spanning multiple sectors, with memoranda of understanding (MOUs) planned across women empowerment, trade, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, and culture. These agreements represent more than ceremonial diplomacy—they establish concrete frameworks for economic cooperation between Nigeria’s $440 billion economy and Colombia’s growing $334 billion market.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, posting on social media platform X, emphasized the historic nature of this engagement, stating this will “strengthen ties in trade, agriculture, education, energy, culture, and women’s empowerment, opening a new chapter in South-South collaboration”. The timing coincides with Nigeria’s aggressive push toward economic diversification and Colombia’s renewed focus on strengthening ties with African nations under President Gustavo Petro’s administration.
Current trade statistics reveal significant growth potential: Nigeria exported $165 million to Colombia in 2023, primarily crude petroleum ($144 million) and nitrogenous fertilizers ($20.7 million), while Colombia’s exports to Nigeria totaled $8.71 million, mainly tanned hides, confectionery sugar, and baked goods. This trade imbalance presents clear opportunities for expansion through the initiatives being discussed during Márquez’s visit.
Strategic Focus on Emerging Technologies
A centerpiece of the diplomatic agenda includes Nigeria’s artificial intelligence summit, positioning both countries at the forefront of technological cooperation in the Global South. Nigeria launched its National AI Strategy in April 2025, with Minister Bosun Tijani announcing plans to transform the nation into a “global leader in harnessing the transformative power of AI”. The inclusion of AI discussions in Márquez’s visit reflects both nations’ recognition of technology’s role in economic transformation.
The Nigeria-Colombia Business Forum represents another significant milestone, bringing together private sector leaders to explore partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, and energy sectors. Given Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and Colombia’s role as South America’s fourth-largest, these business connections could facilitate substantial trade growth and investment flows between the regions.
Francia Márquez’s background as a 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize winner and former environmental activist adds particular significance to discussions around sustainable development and climate cooperation. Her advocacy for environmental justice and women’s rights aligns with Nigeria’s own sustainability goals and gender empowerment initiatives, creating natural partnership areas.
This diplomatic breakthrough builds on existing Nigeria-Colombia connections while opening new possibilities for cooperation spanning continents. As both nations navigate global economic challenges and seek diversified partnerships beyond traditional allies, this visit establishes a template for enhanced South-South collaboration that could influence bilateral relationships across Africa and Latin America.
The comprehensive nature of this engagement—encompassing trade, technology, culture, and governance—suggests both countries view this not as a one-time diplomatic gesture but as the foundation for sustained, multi-generational partnership between Nigeria and Colombia.
I couldn’t resist commenting