From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
South Africa has officially relaxed its visa requirements for Nigerian tourists and business travelers, a move aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and boosting economic cooperation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced this policy change during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Under the new policy, Nigerians can apply for visas without needing to submit their passports. This includes a five-year multiple entry visa for qualifying business individuals, designed to facilitate easier travel for business engagements and tourism. Ramaphosa stated, “Our efforts to create a favorable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa.”
The announcement coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ramaphosa emphasised the need to remove existing barriers to investment and address challenges faced by companies operating in both countries. He noted that Nigeria hosts numerous South African businesses, highlighting the potential for increased economic collaboration.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged recent reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at improving the business climate, which he believes will encourage more South African investments in Nigeria.
He expressed optimism about future cooperation, stating, “We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa.” The South African government also stated its commitment to addressing broader economic issues affecting the Global South, with plans to place African development challenges on the agenda of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, marking a historic first for the summit to be held on African soil.
“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.