In a move set to strengthen bilateral relations and drive greater economic collaboration, South Africa has relaxed visa restrictions for Nigerian tourists and business travellers.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the 11th session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, with leaders from both nations and top business executives in attendance, including President Bola Tinubu.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that Nigerian business people now qualify for simplified visa processes, including issuing five-year multiple-entry visas.
Additionally, tourists will be able to apply for visas without submitting their passports, a development aimed at enhancing mobility between the two countries.
President Ramaphosa said the initiative highlights South Africa’s commitment to fostering greater economic cooperation with Nigeria, as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic ties.
“Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment,” he said.
The announcement was widely welcomed by key business leaders, including the MTN delegation, led by the MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita; MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola.
The MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications company, expressed support for the goals of the Bi-National Commission and hailed the travel policy reforms as a step toward deeper integration between South Africa and Nigeria.
Also present at the meeting were Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Discussions focused on removing barriers to investment and fostering partnerships in key sectors, including technology, trade, and tourism.
The South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) is a high-level platform for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, established in 1999.
This year’s session focused on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic growth, and addressing challenges such as trade, investment, and security.
Both countries expressed their commitment to deepening ties and working together to achieve shared goals.
South Africa is home to several Nigerian companies, just as Nigeria has a number of South African companies. With this collaboration, both nations appear poised to lead the charge in shaping a more connected and prosperous Africa.
