Presidents Ramaphosa and Tinubu Commit to Strengthening Relations During 11th Session of the BNC

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (BG) – South Africa and Nigeria on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, promoting regional stability, and advancing economic integration across the African continent.

The two African economic giants made the commitment during the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The meeting at Tuynhuys in Cape Town during Tinubu’s working visit to South Africa highlighted both nations’ critical roles in boosting trade and addressing the continent’s challenges.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area will allow our two countries to trade in a more seamless manner across a wide variety of products. Let us seize this moment,” Ramaphosa said.

It also marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994.

The BNC, elevated to a presidential level in 2016, followed a series of preparatory meetings, including a Senior Officials Meeting from Nov. 28 to 29 and a Ministerial Meeting on Dec. 2, 2024.

Strengthening Trade and Economic Ties

President Ramaphosa emphasized the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ‘s opportunities to foster trade and economic integration between South Africa and Nigeria.

He noted that both nations play critical roles on the African continent and hold significant influence in the international arena.

The South African leader also highlighted efforts to improve the ease of business between the two countries.

“Our efforts to create a favorable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa,” Ramaphosa said tourists from Nigeria can now apply for a visa without submitting a passport.

Focus on Regional Stability and Democracy

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of addressing regional security challenges.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Nigeria are “seized with the situations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the post-election developments in Mozambique,” stressing the need for peaceful solutions.

President Tinubu echoed the commitment to addressing pressing regional issues, describing “inland piracy” as a threat to progress.

“South Africa and Nigeria should and must take the lead in placing this issue before the global community and in resolving it for the good of our continent and its people,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on the historic ties between the two nations, Tinubu commended Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

“Nigeria is proud to have shared the burdens of her brothers in South Africa during such critical times,” Tinubu said, adding that the two nations must continue standing “side by side, shoulder to shoulder” for democracy and good governance.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency

President Ramaphosa also used the occasion to highlight South Africa’s assumption of the G20 Presidency from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2025. This marks the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil.

“We will place Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South firmly on the G20 agenda,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that South Africa will galvanize support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, focusing on inclusive global development to ensure “no one is left behind.”

Historic Relationship

The Bi-National Commission comes as South Africa and Nigeria commemorate three decades of diplomatic relations.

Over the years, the two countries have maintained strong ties, marked by high-level exchanges, including President Ramaphosa’s visit to Nigeria for Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023 and Tinubu’s attendance at Ramaphosa’s inauguration in June 2024.

As the 11th session of the BNC concluded, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared priorities in trade, governance, and regional security, underscoring the importance of their partnership in Africa’s transformation.