*As Nigeria, South Africa Agree On AUC Elections, Joint Position On Middle East
President Bola Tinubu has called for the Nigeria—South Africa strategic partnership to become a model of leadership, economic integration, and shared prosperity for the African continent.
He spoke at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Tuesday in Cape Town, South Africa.
President Tinubu urged both countries to overcome what he called "irritants" that hinder their collaboration and focus on transforming Africa's global image.
The Nigerian leader, who co-chaired the presidential BNC with his South African counterpart, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the continent's two largest economies and its potential to redefine the global perception of the continent.
He also urged South Africa to champion Africa's interests during its current G20 presidency, reiterating Nigeria's aspiration to join the bloc alongside South Africa and the African Union.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said "The continent looks up to us; we cannot afford to fail it.
"We need to leverage the potentials of this partnership to strengthen economic, political, business-to-business, as well as people-to-people relationships between the two countries, bearing in mind the tremendous benefits it promises.
"As the adage goes, 'the glory of the eagle does not please the kite,' let us remain mindful of the overt and covert hostilities that the success of our partnership will attract.
"If we are vigilant, committed and persistent, we will surely soar like the eagles over the reach of predators. So, we must remain strongly united on purpose," he stated.
Regarding the achievements under the BNC framework, established 25 years ago, President Tinubu noted that despite many setbacks, over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are in operation.
He, however, stressed the need for actionable implementation of agreements.
"Let us not count our successes by the number of MoUs and agreements signed.
"They will be mere papers until we implement them in spirit and letters. This is the job of our senior officials, and I must implore them to redouble their efforts in this regard," he said.
"Beyond natural resources, our most precious resource is the huge youth population in both countries. These young people represent the future. They are the demography that must be tended to and invested in, as well as skills and potentials harvested for development.
"My administration has built an inclusive government in which young people are now in charge of some of the key sectors of the economy, believing the future for them starts now. Let us connect Nigerian and South African Youth and leverage their potential for development," President Tinubu stated.
President Tinubu acknowledged that South African companies such as MTN and Multichoice have made significant inroads into the Nigerian market. Similarly, Nigerian businesses like Dangote Group and Access Bank have extended their presence in South Africa.
"But that is not enough. I cannot pretend that all has gone satisfactorily well. We can identify the gaps and challenges, including persistent irritants in our relations, and deal with them appropriately. This is the real essence of the BNC.
"Together, we can act as engines of economic integration and development in our respective sub-regions as well as on the continent," he said.
The Nigerian leader proposed joint action on mining to tackle illegal mining and enhance professional capacity development.
"Sponsored by powerful outside forces, such mining is fomenting strife, servitude, poverty, environmental degradation and undermining the writ of legitimate government.
"We cannot allow this inland piracy to become a scourge to our good and healthy designs for our people. 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," he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria's support for South Africa during the dark days of apartheid, President Tinubu described it as a historic responsibility discharged with pride and determination.
"As was expected, our efforts put Nigeria on a collision course with some powerful countries. Nigeria is proud to have shared the burdens of her brothers in South Africa during such critical times.
"This is the essence of brotherhood we seek for this continent: to stay side by side, shoulder to shoulder for liberation, discrimination and democratic good governance in support of the best and legitimate aspirations of the people.
"Just as we stood with you, we shall always remember how South Africa was with us at critical moments of our struggle against military rule," he said.
The decision was revealed on Tuesday in a communiqué released at the end of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape town.
President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the meeting.
In the wake of the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, both countries agreed to establish an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent such attacks.
Before the 11th BNC meeting, both parties agreed to harmonise all contentious areas, conclude, and present during the 11th session of the BNC.
The joint communique, read by South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders underscored the urgent need to finalise the MoU.
Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements.
According to the communique, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations' bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit.
"In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC.
"The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries.
"In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.
On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which both Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders committed to working towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries by utilising the opportunities provided by the agreement.
Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to collaborate on programmes that address mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthen meaningful digital connectivity, and take leadership in developing artificial intelligence.
They also committed to expanding digital literacy initiatives and prioritising data protection and online safety for all citizens.
Nigeria and South Africa affirmed their resolve to coordinate their positions on the upcoming African Union elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to advancing the continent's development agenda.
They reiterated their mutual support for equitable representation within African Union institutions that reflect the continent's diverse perspectives.
South Africa solicited Nigeria's support for its candidate, Ms Swazi Tshabalala, for the position of President of the African Development Bank.
Equally, Nigeria solicited South Africa's support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
The Heads of State and Government are committed to working closely with the African Union and each other to advance the African Agenda in pursuit of the implementation of Agenda 2063.
Nigeria highlighted its efforts, as well as those of other members of the ECOWAS bloc, to foster and promote peace and security.
South Africa also outlined the efforts undertaken by the Southern African Development Community to support peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mozambique.
"In this regard, the Heads of State and Government expressed concern at the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property and a humanitarian crisis.”
Similarly, the two presidents agreed to intensify support for the cause of Western Sahara for self-determination, freedom, and justice.
Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024. It commended South Africa on its priorities: inclusive economic growth, industrialization, inequality reduction, food security, artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation.
On the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the two countries adopted a joint position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy.
They emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, and promoting sustainable peace in the region.
Taking steps on the new understanding be the two countries, South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that tourists from Nigeria can now apply for a visa without submitting a passport.
Ramaphosa spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which President Bola Tinubu attended.
He said South Africa has simplified its visa processes to facilitate travel for Nigerian business people and tourists, with measures such as five-year multiple entry visas.
In a statement issued by President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he said "Our efforts to create a favourable 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,"
He also pledged South Africa's commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries.
"As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.
"Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.
"But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the Nigerian government's reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa.
"Our government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors.
"We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa," he said.
The South African leader said Africa's development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be firmly placed on the G20 agenda.
"It will be the first time the G20 Leaders' Summit will be held on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the AU's Agenda 2063 as we pursue an inclusive global agenda.
"For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind," he said.