President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa to serve as a model of leadership, economic integration, and shared prosperity for Africa. Speaking at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized the need for both nations to overcome obstacles to their collaboration and lead the charge in transforming Africa’s global image.
Co-chairing the BNC with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tinubu underscored the significance of cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies, noting their potential to redefine the continent’s narrative.
“The continent looks up to us; we cannot afford to fail it. Our successes will change the negative narratives of Africa as a continent mired in poverty and conflict,” Tinubu said.
He urged South Africa to champion Africa’s interests during its G20 presidency and reiterated Nigeria’s aspiration to join the bloc alongside South Africa and the African Union.
President Tinubu highlighted the need for actionable implementation of the over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed under the BNC framework. He encouraged senior officials to intensify efforts in translating agreements into tangible benefits, adding, “Let us not count our successes by the number of MoUs and agreements signed. They will be mere papers until we implement them in spirit and letters.”
Tinubu also called for closer ties to harness the potential of youth in both nations, describing the younger generation as Africa’s most valuable resource. “Beyond natural resources, our most precious resource is the huge youth population. These young people represent the future, and we must invest in their skills and connect them for development,” he said.
Addressing the challenges of illegal mining, Tinubu proposed joint action to curb the practice, which he described as a major threat to Africa’s development. He stated, “Illegal mining robs our nations of income, fosters strife and poverty, and undermines legitimate governance. South Africa and Nigeria must take the lead in bringing this issue to the global stage and resolving it.”
President Tinubu acknowledged the achievements of South African companies like MTN and Multichoice in Nigeria, as well as the presence of Nigerian businesses such as Dangote Group and Access Bank in South Africa. However, he noted that more could be done to bridge gaps and address irritants in bilateral relations.
“Together, we can act as engines of economic integration and development in our respective sub-regions and across the continent,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting South Africa during the apartheid era, describing it as a historic responsibility fulfilled with pride. He also lauded South Africa’s support for Nigeria during its struggle against military rule. “This is the essence of brotherhood we seek for this continent: to stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, for liberation and democratic good governance,” Tinubu said.
Concluding his address, Tinubu called for vigilance, unity, and purpose, urging both nations to rise above challenges and lead Africa towards a brighter future. “If we are vigilant, committed, and persistent, we will surely soar like eagles over the reach of predators. The glory of Africa depends on our leadership,” he said.
The Bi-National Commission, established 25 years ago, continues to serve as a critical platform for advancing cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa in trade, investment, and political engagement. This session reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to chart a path of mutual growth and continental transformation.
