The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa while tourists from Nigeria can apply for a visa without submitting a passport.
Ramaphosa disclosed this in his remarks on the occasion of the South Africa – Nigeria Bi-National Commission where he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his delegation on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa who is looking forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa, said his Government is making efforts to create a favourable environment which include simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa.
According to him, “We expect that this 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission will enable us to consolidate cooperation in several key areas. We need to implement the many decisions that have already been made and to follow up on progress achieved.
“Nigeria is South Africa’s largest trading partner in West Africa. However, there is much more opportunity for growth. The African Continental Free Trade Area will allow our two countries to trade in a more seamless manner across a wide variety of products. Let us seize this moment.
“South Africa and Nigeria are important countries in our respective region and on the African continent more broadly. We are also important voices in the international arena. As responsible members of the community of nations, we ought to be concerned about the future of our global systems of governance. “In an increasingly volatile environment, we are witnessing the erosion of the principles that underpin peaceful conduct of relations among nations, respect for international law and the development of our societies”, the President said.
On the occasion of this 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission, the South African leader reaffirmed close bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation, adding that the two countries united in purpose and vision.
“We will remain forever grateful to Nigeria for its leading role in the international campaign to end apartheid in South Africa. As we mark 30 years since 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. Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open for Nigerian business, reflected in number of investments and operations established in this country”. 
Ramaphosa commended President Tinubu’s work as chairman of ECOWAS to promote dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution in the pursuit of peace, applauded Nigeria’s unwavering support to regional and continental unity.
He said, “Our regional body, the Southern African Development Community – SADC – has been working to address challenges in our neighborhood. We are seized with the situations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the post-elections developments in Mozambique”.
The President who is pleased and honoured that Nigerian leader is in South Africa to co-chair the Bi-National Commission looked forward to receiving reports of the Ministers as both countries continue to strengthen cooperation.
Ramaphosa said, “Our strong foundations of mutual respect, trust and collaboration must endure. Together, we must work to position Africa as the continent of the future and to realise the vision of our forebears”.
