Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow has reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to advancing economic and development cooperation with Nigeria under the Thailand–Africa Initiative.

The Deputy Prime Minister on 27 August 2026 delivered a keynote speech at the Thailand–Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, Nigeria. In his speech, he stressed the complementary economic strengths of Thailand and Nigeria and their potential to serve as gateways connecting Southeast Asia and West Africa — two regions with strong economic potential and growing business opportunities.

The Forum was part of the Thai business delegation’s program, organized in conjunction with the Deputy Prime Minister’s official visits to Nigeria and Ethiopia from 25 to 28 August 2026. By bringing a delegation of the Thai private sector to Nigeria, the Forum creates new business opportunities for the Thai private sector, builds partnership and network, and hopes to translate these connections into concrete economic benefits, in line with Thailand’s Economic Diplomacy.

On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister attended a Lunch Talk on “Building Sustainable Partnerships: Connecting Youth, Innovation and Business between Thailand and Nigeria” in Lagos.

Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), in collaboration with Kasetsart University, Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, and CGIAR Nigeria/IITA, organized the event as a platform to exchange views on strengthening public–private-partnerships to advance development cooperation and extend its benefits to local communities and youth.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister together with Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, witnessed the signing of the Record of Discussion on Thai – Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre project among TICA, Kasetsart University, and Federal Cooperative College, Oji River. They also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Kasetsart University and Federal Cooperative College, Oji River.

The signing of both MoUs underscored Thailand’s commitment to translating the Thailand - Africa Initiative into concrete outcomes. The Thai – Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre project at Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, is one of the flagship projects under the Thailand - Africa Development Forum. The project aims to enhance skills and knowledge in aquaculture, as well as the use of small-scale agricultural machinery, through the establishment of the Learning Centre and a Thai Corner.

The activities also exemplify Thailand’s efforts to advance development cooperation with Africa, leveraging science, technology, and innovation to build capacity and create economic opportunities, supporting Thailand’s economic diplomacy, development diplomacy, and science, research and innovation diplomacy, contributing to improved livelihoods and stronger Thailand - Africa relations.