The Nigerian delegation was led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while South Africa was represented by Ms. Thandi Moraka from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. According to a joint communique, the two countries are actively working to resolve persisting visa-related challenges and adopt streamlined processes to facilitate business travel.
Economic and Political Cooperation
The meeting focused on addressing obstacles that have hindered greater economic integration, with discussions covering trade, investment, defence, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. The consultation also reinforced the longstanding bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, building on a decision made during the 10th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Abuja in December 2021 to adopt a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations.
Both sides welcomed the finalisation of an MoU on the Early Warning Mechanism, designed to address consular and migration issues more effectively. Officials stressed that implementing the MoU would improve coordination, streamline the movement of people and goods, and contribute to growth in social, cultural, technical, scientific, tourism, and private business sectors.
Cultural and Industry Collaboration
The communique highlighted strong cultural ties, particularly in the film and audiovisual sectors. An official Audio-Visual Cooperation Agreement signed in 2021 facilitates co-productions, skills transfer, joint promotion, and investment between Nigeria and South Africa. Collaborative efforts include sharing technical expertise, filming on location in both countries, and participating together in industry events.
In the transport sector, officials noted progress under an MoU on Air Traffic and Navigation Services between South Africa and Nigeria, signed on 17 January 2025 in Johannesburg. Plans are also underway to formalise a Standards and Standardisation MoU between the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), which will be signed in March 2025, following delays during the 2024 BNC meeting in Cape Town.
Looking Ahead
The meeting underscores both countries’ determination to strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation while removing practical barriers such as restrictive visa policies. By facilitating smoother business travel, promoting cultural exchanges, and improving technical collaboration, Nigeria and South Africa aim to reinforce their positions as leading economies in Africa and deepen mutual ties across multiple sectors.