Nigeria: Thai Deputy Prime Minister discusses Africa's economic future with CSEA researchers

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, received a delegation of academics from the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), an Abuja-based think tank in Nigeria, on August 26, 2026, according to a press release issued by APO Group on behalf of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on the theme "The Future of Africa: How Partnership with Thailand Can Move the Continent Forward". Discussions covered the continent's economic outlook, development challenges, and recommendations to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Thailand and Africa. The Thai official reaffirmed his country's commitment to the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) and emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration with CSEA in research, particularly to identify economic opportunities with Nigeria. Founded in 2008 by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, currently Director-General of the World Trade Organization, CSEA is an independent, non-profit research institute dedicated to the economy and public policy of Nigeria and Africa. This meeting paves the way for enhanced knowledge and technology transfer between the two countries. It reflects Bangkok's ambition to position itself as a complementary partner, tailored to African demand, at a time when several Asian powers are seeking to diversify their economic alliances on the continent, beyond traditional players such as China, the United States, and the European Union. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's international standing at the WTO reinforces CSEA's diplomatic credibility as a privileged partner for this type of bilateral initiative.