Ramaphosa receives Tinubu ahead Bi-National Commission session
By Kunle Sanni
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa received Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Cape Town on Tuesday ahead of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission.
This development was captured in a video posted by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on its X (formerly Twitter) platform.
The high-level session marks the 25th anniversary of the commission, established in 1999 to strengthen bilateral relations between the two leading African economies. Discussions are expected to focus on key areas such as trade and investment, political engagement, migration, defense and security, energy, manufacturing, and social development.
In a post on his X account, President Tinubu described the commission as a vital platform for fostering the continent’s development. He emphasized the need for sustained collaboration, stating: “Nigeria and South Africa must continue working together to ensure shared prosperity for our countries and Africa as a whole.”
Background
The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission was inaugurated in 1999 to promote cooperation in strategic areas of mutual interest. Over the years, it has facilitated agreements and partnerships across sectors such as trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
As Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa have played pivotal roles in shaping the continent’s economic and political agenda. The 11th session comes at a crucial time as both nations work to address pressing challenges, including migration management, energy transition, and security, while seizing opportunities to enhance intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Western Post also reported on President Tinubu’s arrival in Cape Town, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
This session is expected to reaffirm and expand the scope of Nigeria-South Africa relations, strengthening their partnership as drivers of Africa’s progress.
