Nigeria and South Africa convened for the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. There, both countries forged a new partnership that’s pivotal for deepening the strategic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.
The session underscores the significance of high-level engagement in driving economic growth, political stability, and social development across the continent. Reflecting on both nations’ shared vision of harnessing their combined potential to create opportunities for mutual prosperity and advancing Africa’s global standing.
For the ordinary Nigerians, what does this renewed collaboration provide and how does it impact on creating an enabling environment to explore opportunities in trade, energy, and technology.
- Trade and Economic Integration: Both nations aim to strengthen trade relations, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Agreeing that AfCFTA presents opportunities for deeper trade integration, particularly in technology and industrial goods. As South African businesses like MTN, and Multichoice dominate Nigeria’s telecoms, and entertainment sectors, contributing over $1 billion in annual revenues continue to thrive, it opens up opportunities for Nigerian firms to expand in South Africa.
- Energy Collaboration: Nigeria’s vast energy resources and South Africa’s growing demand provide a strong basis for partnerships in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. Nigeria’s energy surplus and South Africa’s demand create possibilities for collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables. Trade statistics reveal that bilateral trade between Nigeria and South Africa has grown significantly, with total trade volume reaching $3.5 billion in 2023, comprising $2 billion in Nigerian exports (mainly crude oil and gas) and $1.5 billion in South African exports, including machinery, electronics, and processed goods.
- Defense and Security: Both countries collaborate to tackle transnational crimes, terrorism, and other security challenges, aiming to ensure regional stability. According to the Global Terrorism Index (2023), Nigeria ranks 8th in terms of terrorism impact, while South Africa deals with increasing organized crime, ranking 19th in the Global Organized Crime Index. Collaborative efforts under the BNC aim to reduce these risks, as joint military training and intelligence-sharing programs are expected to reduce transnational crime rates by 15% by 2026
- Xenophobia as a Strain on Relations: Recurrent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa highlight socio-economic tensions and remain a significant challenge in bilateral relations. After the 2019 attacks, Nigeria evacuated over 600 citizens, while South African authorities committed to reducing such violence, achieving a 20% decrease in incidents between 2020 and 2023 (SAPS). These efforts emphasize the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing migration and xenophobia, reinforcing the need for sustained dialogue during the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission meetings.
- Social Sector Development: On education, over 15,000 Nigerian students are currently enrolled in South African universities, contributing to cultural exchange and academic development. On healthcare, both nations recently agreed on health initiatives, such as vaccine production partnerships and disease research, targeting a 20% increase in access to essential medicines in both countries by 2027. South Africa’s hospitality sector, which welcomed over 60,000 Nigerian tourists in 2023, highlights further potential in cultural cooperation and tourism.
Strengthening ties and fostering a framework for sustained dialogue and partnership charts a cour
