South Africa Relaxes Visa Rules for Nigerian Tourists and Entrepreneurs - By Daisy BARRO

In a  significant move to strengthen economic ties and promote tourism between Nigeria and South Africa (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the relaxation of visa rules for Nigerian tourists and investors. This development was made public recently, during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which was attended by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the South African President, the new visa rules are designed to facilitate travel for Nigerian professionals, traders, and entrepreneurs seeking to explore opportunities in South Africa. "Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals to travel to South Africa. Qualifying individuals can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa," he explained.

He further emphasized his country's commitment to removing constraints preventing greater investment in SA as he addressed the challenges faced by companies in both countries - highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between Nigeria and South Africa which provide a foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.

"As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation," he stated.

Ramaphosa also acknowledged the Nigerian government's reforms aimed at strengthening and fostering a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including those from South Africa - adding that the South African government will continue its efforts to improve the ease of doing business. "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.

According to the South African leader, Africa's development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South will be a hot topic 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 concluded.

The  relaxed visa rules and strengthened economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa are expected to have a positive impact on trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.