Potential of Nigeria-South Africa partnership for Africa’s transformation — Opinion — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town highlights the two countries’ huge economic potential and the immense benefits accruable to their citizens. There are challenges, of course, but these could be tamed with greater commitment and collaboration of the countries. With their positions and natural resources, the two countries stand to lead Africa, particularly the black population, out of the poverty woods in which they have found themselves.

Therefore, President Tinubu’s call that Nigeria and South Africa must lead Africa’s transformation remains very apt. He is correct to have posited that the Nigeria-South Africa strategic partnership will become a model of leadership, economic integration, and shared prosperity for Africa. It is instructive that President Ramaphosa confirmed his readiness for more collaboration while announcing that tourists from Nigeria can now apply for a visa to his country without submitting a passport.
  
Historically, Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa have so much in common. They are two superpowers of the region, former British colonies, and members of the Commonwealth of Nations. They are easily the most influential members of the African Union and the biggest economies on the continent.

Since the return to democratic rule in South Africa and Nigeria, the bilateral relations between Africa’s two largest economies have been cordial, buoyed by the establishment of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in 1999.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) puts South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at $373 billion, while Nigeria sits pretty well at $253 billion. Trade volume between both countries hovers between $2-$3 billion. As such, it has become highly important for the two countries to work together and consolidate this growth for the region’s development.

It is gladdening that the two countries agreed to urgently finalise the five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Early Warning Mechanism, which monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality and reprisals involving nationals of both countries. At the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, Tinubu urged both countries to overcome “irritants” that hinder their collaboration and focus on transforming Africa’s global image.

According to the communiqué issued at the end of BNC, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit.

It is expected that Nigeria and South Africa’s special friendship will catalyse and galvanise the rest of the continent to deal with many of the developmental challenges still confronting it.

Nigeria and South Africa can facilitate increased trade and investment within their respective sub-regions and across the continent. This could lead to expanded markets, reduced trade barriers, and enhanced economic opportunities for businesses in both countries. The two countries have complementary economies, with Nigeria strong in agriculture and natural resources, and South Africa in manufacturing and services. This complementarity can foster mutually beneficial trade and investment flows.
  
Politically, Nigeria and South Africa can amplify their voices on the global stage by working together. This collaboration can strengthen their influence in international organisations and negotiations, advocating for policies that benefit Africa. Both countries have the potential to lead regional initiatives and promote peace, security, and stability in Africa. Their cooperation can contribute to resolving conflicts, promoting democratic governance, and fostering regional integration.

This was witnessed in the 1990s when President Olusegun Obasanjo was Nigeria’s leader and Thabo Mbeki in South Africa. Both leaders were able to influence the continent positively for growth. The same zeal is expected now on so many fronts from the Presidencies of Ramaphosa and Tinubu.  
  
Technologically, Nigeria and South Africa can establish themselves as innovation hubs in Africa, attracting talent and investment in technology and digital sectors. This collaboration can foster knowledge sharing, joint research projects, and the development of innovative solutions to address African challenges.

 
The two countries can collaborate on infrastructure projects, such as transportation and energy, to improve connectivity and facilitate trade within Africa. This can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce regional disparities.
  
In terms of social development, with both countries having youthful populations, Nigeria and South Africa can work together to empower their youths through education, skills development, and job creation initiatives.This can help address the challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment, and harness the potential of the continent’s young population.
  
Today, there are over 100 South African businesses in Nigeria. Some of the companies include the MTN Group, Shoprite, Multichoice, Standard Bank, Remgro, Pick ‘n Pay Holdings, Clover Industries and Naspers.
  
Between 2008 and 2022, six Nigerian companies invested at least $142 million in South Africa with the Dangote Group and GZI accounting for the lion’s share of the investment. Nigeria’s Access Bank acquired South Africa’s Grobank for $60 million in 2021, and Nigerian fintech company, Paystack, and airline, Air Peace, also have imprints in the South African business environment.
  
While the potential for collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa is significant, there are challenges to overcome. These include historical tensions, economic disparities, and infrastructure gaps. However, by addressing these challenges and capitalising on their strengths, the two countries can unlock the full potential of their partnership and drive Africa’s transformation.
 
Indeed, Nigeria and South Africa may have a cordial relationship at a country-to-country level, but the story is entirely different when it comes to the citizens of the two countries. A history of mutual suspicion and xenophobia has defined the relationship between both countries’ nationals. Economic inequality and competition for resources remain significant factors contributing to these tensions. For the two countries to lead the continent, it is of utmost importance that there should be more dialogue and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa to address the root causes and prevent future occurrences.
  
The renewed commitment of both countries should also be cemented based on the role of Nigeria as a frontline state, for a continental push against the pernicious minority white domination in South Africa against the majority blacks through the dehumanising apartheid regime that lasted almost a century. 

Together with other African countries, Nigeria led a strong campaign against the evil of apartheid until the system was dismantled in 1990 and the subsequent emergence of President Nelson Mandela in 1994 as the first elected black President.
  
The relationship between the two countries has been beneficial and catalytic for socio-economic development, and, if properly harnessed, could become more significant beyond the countries to the African region and the globe. 

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