Nigeria and South Africa have made strides in reinforcing their bilateral relationship during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town on December 3, 2024. The meeting, co-chaired by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa, concluded with agreements aimed at tackling key challenges between the two nations, including security threats and economic collaboration.

One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the commitment to finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism, a five-year-old agreement designed to monitor threats of violence, criminality, and reprisals affecting nationals of both countries. This decision follows a series of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. The MoU is expected to be signed by March 2025 during a visit by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for political consultations.

Both leaders also discussed a range of other issues, including ongoing negotiations to conclude further agreements aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and fostering business investments between the two countries. The joint communique noted that the Nigerian and South African governments would collaborate more closely in the context of the BNC, with both sides agreeing on the need to address mutual challenges, such as food security, digital connectivity, and the development of artificial intelligence.

In addition, the two presidents expressed their intention to continue efforts to ensure balanced trade between the two countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which both have ratified. They also reaffirmed their support for each other’s candidates in international organisations, with South Africa backing Nigeria’s candidate for the African Union Commission and Nigeria supporting South Africa’s nomination for the African Development Bank’s presidency.

The meeting also focused on broader regional issues. Both countries agreed to work together to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan and pledged to continue supporting the cause of Western Sahara’s self-determination. The two leaders also adopted a joint position on the Middle East crisis, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy while emphasising the importance of upholding international humanitarian law.

Both nations also agreed to strengthen their cooperation in international fora, with South Africa congratulating Nigeria on Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, while Nigeria recognised South Africa’s assumption of the G20 presidency. The joint statement concluded with an emphasis on mutual support for the African Union’s agenda, including the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the promotion of peace and security across the continent.

This latest meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa marks a continued effort by both nations to address both bilateral and continental issues through diplomacy and collaboration, focusing on fostering long-term cooperation for the benefit of their citizens and the broader African continent.