Ramaphosa Pledges South Africa’s Support for Nigeria to Join G20

South Africa has pledged to support Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, described as a “valued sister country” by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The promise was made during the launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, shortly before a meeting with President Tinubu to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Nigeria and South Africa.

The G20 is an international forum for economic cooperation, bringing together major advanced and emerging economies. Established in 1999, it consists of 19 countries and the European Union, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the global population.

In 2023, the African Union was granted permanent membership, making South Africa and the AU the sole representatives of Africa in the G20.

During the BNC meeting, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for more African countries to join the G20, aiming to amplify the continent’s voice on the global stage.

He highlighted South Africa’s previous efforts in lobbying for the AU’s membership and expressed optimism about Africa’s growing significance in the global economy.

In another development, Nigeria and South Africa have fully operationalized the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment to enhance economic cooperation.

The announcement was made during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, where President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to business, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to stability, security, and the rule of law to foster investment.

The roundtable, attended by business leaders and trade stakeholders, provided an opportunity to address challenges discouraging South African investors in Nigeria.

Tinubu called for reciprocity in allowing Nigerian businesses to thrive in South Africa. He also stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between officials of both nations to implement mandates agreed upon under the BNC framework.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria is undergoing significant economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of its citizens and promoting prosperity across Africa. He encouraged potential investors to explore the unique opportunities in Nigeria, describing it as the most rewarding investment destination.

The Joint Ministerial Advisory Council, initially launched during a state visit in 2021, aims to address trade challenges, align policies, and create a favorable business environment for both nations. Its full operationalization marks a milestone in strengthening bilateral economic ties.

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