In a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations and enhancing trade between South Africa and Nigeria, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a series of measures aimed at easing visa restrictions.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ramaphosa revealed plans to introduce a simplified five-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerian tourists, a move designed to facilitate the flow of business and leisure travellers between the two nations.
“We want to enable investors to promote and operate their businesses in a manner that will enable them to pursue various opportunities in various sectors of the economy,” Ramaphosa stated during his announcement.
The South African leader expressed optimism about the growing presence of Nigerian products and investments in the South African market, saying: “We look forward to seeing more Nigerian products and companies investing in South Africa. In fact, we want to see more Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops.”
The announcement coincided with a working visit by Ramaphosa’s Nigerian counterpart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the two heads of state renewed their efforts at working together to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship in a manner that seeks to enhance strategic partnerships.
Tinubu’s trip to SA comes hot on the heels of his recent visit to France. His meeting with Ramaphosa was in preparation to participate in the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission.
In a bid to create a more conducive environment for trade, Ramaphosa elaborated on the new visa arrangements, stating: “A favourable environment includes our simplified visa processes for Nigerians to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa. In addition, tourists from Nigeria are now able to apply for a visa without even submitting a passport.”
This initiative is expected to not only boost tourism but also strengthen commercial ties, potentially leading to a rise in the number of Nigerian businesses entering the South African market. The South African government aims to attract a diverse range of investments and products, which may enhance consumer choice and stimulate local economies.
Economic analysts suggest that these changes could pave the way for greater collaboration and exchange between the two most powerful economies in Africa. With Nigeria’s position as a burgeoning market and South Africa’s established infrastructure, the possibilities for business growth are promising.
As the implementation of these visa changes unfolds, many are hopeful that this will mark a new chapter in South Africa-Nigeria relations — one characterised by increased trade and shared prosperity.
According to the latest reports, Nigeria became SA’s largest trading partner in 2006 when the bilateral trade between both countries hovered around $1.5bn that year, up from $16.5m in 1999. Nigeria accounts for over 60% of South Africa’s trade in West Africa, and as of 2020, trade between both countries stood at $2.9bn.
Ramaphosa further stated that the two countries should collaborate on gas, oil, and mineral trade. Fundamentally, South Africa and Nigeria must further expand investment and trade. We must fully explore the respective strengths and capabilities of the two economies. We seek to expand cooperation in oil and gas, aviation, ICT, telecommunications, manufacturing, retail, financial services, and hospitality, among others,“ he said.
Tinubu, who delivered his closing remarks at the 11th Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, also highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria.
“As Nigeria, we are grateful for the support we have received from our South African partner. We look forward to continuing working with South Africa in a mutually beneficial manner. We have no reason to fail or let down our people. We are committed to working with you. We must deepen our trade and exchange ideas that promote mutually-beneficial relationships,” he said.
While speaking to SABC News, Dr Alexander Rusero from Africa University in Zimbabwe weighed in on the 11th Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria saying: “We believe in South Africa and its ability to lead the G20 Summit in ensuring that the issues of Africa which have been placed on the periphery for a long time receive attention.
“We recall that Nigeria and South Africa tend to assume joint leadership roles If we consider the joint dual continental leadership positions and if we are going to engage in serious conversations of who should legitimately occupy the continent’s seat on the UN Security Council, it is always going to be Nigeria or South Africa. The critical relationship between these giants is very symbolic given the role that Nigeria also played towards the end of apartheid rule,” he said.
The Star