The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has revealed that tourists and business owners from Nigeria can now apply for visas to enter the country without their international passports.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, 4th December, at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ramaphosa stated, “Nigerian businessmen and tourists who qualified for the process can be “granted a five-year multiple entry visa.”
He reaffirmed that this development is among SA’s efforts to establish a friendly climate for Nigerians and also part of many commitments to reduce barriers to increased investment and address the difficulties businesses in both nations face.
Cyril says, “Nigeria is host to several South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, which is reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country. But there is much more we need to do. We must remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we must address some challenges companies have experienced.”
Nigeria, S/Africa Strengthen Ties with Focus on Security and Visa Reforms
Photo Source: Premium Times Nigeria.
Nigeria and South Africa have renewed their commitment to addressing mutual concerns by finalising a five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism.
This initiative, aimed at monitoring and mitigating threats of violence, criminal acts, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries, was highlighted during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) today.
The joint communiqué, delivered by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, revealed that the MoU is set to be signed no later than March 2025.
The Mechanism was initially proposed following a series of Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, signalling a need for proactive measures to curb such incidents in the future.
Beyond security, the BNC emphasised the importance of collaboration on broader issues. President Bola Tinubu advocated for a strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa to foster economic integration and shared prosperity to drive growth across the African continent.
On the global stage, the two nations adopted a unified position on the escalating crisis in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy.
They stressed the importance of protecting civilians, upholding international humanitarian law, and working toward sustainable regional peace.
Economic Collaboration between S/Africa and Nigeria
One critical area of focus is trade. Both countries aim to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to improve trade flows, reduce barriers, and create a more seamless business environment. Nigeria, with its vast oil reserves and agricultural base, and South Africa, with its advanced manufacturing and financial sectors, have complementary strengths that could lead to significant economic gains if adequately harnessed.
Additionally, investments are also a critical part of this partnership. South African companies have established a strong presence in Nigeria, particularly in retail, telecommunications, and banking.
On the other hand, Nigerian businesses are increasingly looking at opportunities in South Africa’s consumer markets and industrial sectors. Both governments are committed to creating an enabling environment to attract more private-sector investments.
Speaking on infrastructure development in this regard, Nigeria and South Africa can explore joint ventures to improve roads, energy systems, and digital connectivity, which are crucial for fostering trade and economic growth.
Their partnership holds the potential to unveil opportunities and set an example for cooperation across the continent.
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