The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, warning against retaliatory measures targeting South African investments in Nigeria.
In a recent statement, the Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, described the attacks as deeply troubling, particularly as Nigerians were reportedly among the victims.
Yusuf said the attacks contradict the ideals of African solidarity and Pan-African cooperation, stressing that Africans should see themselves as “brothers and partners in development.”
According to him, the attacks are largely driven by economic and social pressures in South Africa, including rising unemployment, poverty, inequality, weak public service delivery, and youth frustration.
He noted that migrants, especially Nigerians, are often unfairly blamed for the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The CPPE boss explained that Nigerians in South Africa are particularly vulnerable because of their strong entrepreneurial presence in sectors such as retail trade, informal businesses, and service delivery.
“Nigerian traders, professionals, and service providers are generally resilient, competitive, and economically active. Unfortunately, this has created resentment among some locals who wrongly believe that migrants are taking over economic opportunities and jobs,” he stated.
Yusuf also faulted weaknesses in policing and intelligence gathering, urging the South African government to strengthen security measures and ensure the protection of lives and property of all residents, including foreign nationals.
He called for stronger law enforcement, prompt prosecution of offenders, and clear political messaging against anti-migrant rhetoric to prevent further violence.
While condemning the attacks, CPPE advised the Nigerian government against retaliatory actions such as revoking the operating licences of South African firms or nationalising South African-owned assets in Nigeria.
The organisation said such measures, reportedly proposed by some members of the National Assembly, would be counterproductive and could damage bilateral relations, weaken investor confidence, and undermine African economic integration.
CPPE noted that major South African companies operating in Nigeria – including: MTN Group, Shoprite Holdings, MultiChoice Group, and Standard Bank Group – have contributed significantly to the Nigerian economy through job creation, improved service delivery, financial inclusion, and tax revenues.
According to the organisation, disrupting these investments would negatively affect Nigerian workers, suppliers, service providers, and consumers who rely on the businesses.
CPPE therefore urged the Nigerian government to intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians living in the country, while also preserving mutually beneficial economic relations.
The organisation further advised South Africa to address the structural challenges fuelling xenophobic tensions, particularly unemployment, inequality, weak service delivery, and institutional deficiencies.
Yusuf stressed that the priority should remain the protection of lives, strict enforcement of the rule of law, and the preservation of African solidarity and economic cooperation.
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