President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared South Africa’s firm support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, describing Nigeria as a “valued sister country.” The announcement came during the launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, moments before Ramaphosa met with President Bola Tinubu to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Nigeria and South Africa.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed the details of this development in a statement. He also disclosed that South Africa seeks collaboration with Nigeria to leverage the latter’s lithium resources for its electric vehicle revolution.
During their meetings, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to Nigeria’s G20 membership bid, noting the importance of expanding Africa’s representation in the influential economic bloc. Currently, South Africa and the African Union are the continent’s only G20 members. Ramaphosa emphasized that bringing more African countries into the fold would amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage, advocating for economic growth, trade, climate change solutions, and sustainable development.
In addition to supporting Nigeria’s G20 aspirations, Nigeria and South Africa announced the full operationalisation of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment. This council, established during Ramaphosa’s 2021 state visit to Nigeria, aims to address trade barriers, align policies, and foster a favorable business climate for both nations.
At the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to providing a stable and secure environment for businesses to thrive. He assured South African investors that Nigeria’s recent economic reforms would yield significant returns for investors, while urging South Africa to reciprocate by enabling Nigerian businesses to flourish within its borders.
“Nigeria and South Africa are co-joined twins tied by the hips not only for survival but for the prosperity of their people,” Tinubu said, underscoring the two nations’ shared responsibilities and opportunities.
President Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, highlighting the operationalisation of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council as a key step in creating a conducive environment for trade and investment. He reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to addressing trade challenges and fostering economic cooperation with Nigeria, emphasizing that the partnership is vital for mutual growth and prosperity.
This renewed collaboration between Africa’s two largest economies marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and positioning the continent as a dynamic player on the global stage.
