In a landmark development aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced significant reforms to visa processes for Nigerian tourists and businesspeople. Speaking at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa highlighted measures to simplify travel and foster economic collaboration between the two nations. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in attendance at the event, which underscored the deepening partnership between the two African giants.
President Ramaphosa revealed that Nigerian tourists and businesspeople can now apply for South African visas without submitting physical passports, a move aimed at streamlining procedures and encouraging travel. Additionally, qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can obtain five-year multiple-entry visas, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to enhancing ease of travel.
“Our efforts to create a favorable environment include simplifying the visa process for Nigerian businesspeople. Qualifying individuals can now benefit from a five-year multiple-entry visa to facilitate travel and commerce between our nations,” Ramaphosa stated.
Strengthening Economic Collaboration
The South African President also reaffirmed his country’s dedication to addressing barriers to investment and resolving challenges faced by companies operating in both nations. He emphasized the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment to drive mutual economic growth.
“As we mark 30 years of diplomatic relations, our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation. While South Africa is home to numerous Nigerian businesses, we remain committed to creating more opportunities for Nigerian investors,” Ramaphosa noted.
He commended the Nigerian government’s ongoing economic reforms, which aim to create an investor-friendly landscape, and expressed optimism about future collaborations.
“Our government is equally committed to improving the ease of doing business in South Africa. We are ready to welcome more Nigerian companies to invest in our country and explore opportunities across various sectors,” he added.
Spotlight on Global Cooperation
On the global stage, President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s focus on placing Africa’s development and the challenges facing the Global South on the G20 agenda. With the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit set to take place on African soil for the first time, he pledged to advocate for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and push for inclusive global policies.
“We will seek to galvanize support for Africa’s development agenda. For South Africa, it is essential that global programs ensure no one is left behind,” he said.
The 11th session of the BNC underscored the importance of the Nigeria-South Africa partnership, with both leaders committing to enhancing economic ties, addressing challenges, and fostering shared growth. As two of Africa’s largest economies, the strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa is expected to have far-reaching implications for the continent’s socio-economic landscape.
