Tinubu Heads To Cape Town For 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission Session

President Bola Tinubu will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, on Monday to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, will follow a ministerial session on December 2 at the South African Parliament in Cape Town, according to a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

This year’s BNC session is significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Commission, which was established in 1999 to enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“The two leaders will engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional, and international matters,” the statement noted.

Building on their June 2024 meeting in Johannesburg, the leaders will evaluate progress since the 10th session of the BNC, which was held in Abuja in 2021.

Focus Areas

The 11th session will involve deliberations across eight key working groups:

•Political consultations

•Consular and migration issues

•Banking and finance

•Defence and security

•Manufacturing

•Social sector development

•Mines and energy

•Trade and investments

Several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements are expected to be signed, reflecting the commitment to mutual growth and collaboration.

President Tinubu’s Global Engagement

This marks Tinubu’s second visit to South Africa in 2024 and his 33rd foreign trip since assuming office 18 months ago. His administration has prioritized fostering international partnerships, logging 135 days abroad and visiting 17 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Brazil, India, and the United States.

The Presidency emphasized the significance of the BNC as a platform for sustaining high-level dialogue and cooperation in critical areas. The meeting underscores the enduring partnership between Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies.

President Tinubu will return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the BNC session.