South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that the country will ease visa regulations to improve trade with Nigeria. Picture: Siyabulela Duda/Independent Newspapers
As part of efforts to get more Nigerian businesses investing in South Africa and improve the ease of doing business in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will ease visa rules to boost trade with Nigeria.
The president made the announcement during the 11th Bi-National Commission on SA-Nigeria Relations while hosting Nigeria’s President Bola Tinibu in Cape Town.
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a 5 year multiple entry visa,” said Ramaphosa.
He also said that in addition, tourists from Nigeria will be able to apply for a visa without even submitting a passport.
“We expect that this 11th session of our Bi-National Commission will enable us to consolidate cooperation in a number of other areas and we need to implement the many decisions that have already been taken between our two countries to follow up progress that has been achieved,” added Ramaphosa.
The president also said that though Nigeria is South Africa’s largest trading partner in West Africa, there is much more opportunity that is there for growth.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area will allow our two countries to trade in a more seamless manner across a variety of programmes,” he said.
Reacting to the president’s announcement on YouTube, this is what netizens had to say:
@SiphoKingsleyNxumalo-b3l said: “My question is why such agreements are always trying to suit and accommodate Nigeria.? Still want to learn what South Africa is benefiting from such agreements.
“Nigeria will come to South Africa without visas. What about us as South Africans? What are we going to benefit cause we are going to be labelled as Xenophobic by the same people? Are the number of Nigerians we have in Hillbrow not enough?”
Another user, @lorrainekgalalelo, said: “Dear ANC, it is time to redeem yourselves. Replace this President of yours, or he is going to be the last ANC President.😢😢.”
@antnam4406 said: “South Africa needs Nigeria, we don't need South Africa. Cyril, we reject your visa nonsense until you deal with the xenophobia in your government. You want Nigerian businesses and tourists to bring money to that xenophobic country? forget about it. MADNESS.”
While @thewarmheartofafrica said: “Ramaphosa has just made a big mistake here.”