President Bola Tinubu is set to leave Paris, France, for Cape Town, South Africa, on December 2, 2024, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. This significant meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2024, and aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation across various sectors.
Prior to the main session, a ministerial meeting will take place on December 2 at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town. This meeting will set the stage for discussions on a range of topics of mutual interest.
The leaders will engage in substantive talks covering bilateral, regional, and international issues. They will also review progress made since their last meeting in June 2024, shortly after President Ramaphosa’s re-election.
The BNC will feature discussions across eight working groups, focusing on areas such as:
– Political consultations
– Consular and migration issues
– Banking and finance
– Defence and security
– Manufacturing
– Social sector
– Mines and energy
– Trade and investments.
At the conclusion of the high-level meeting, officials from both countries are expected to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, further solidifying their partnership.
**Significance of the Meeting**: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations since its establishment in 1999.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including state governors, ministers, and senior government officials, and is expected to return to Nigeria following the BNC meeting.
