CAPE TOWN – South Africa will a grant five-year multiple entry visa to qualifying Nigerian business travelers and allow tourists to apply without submitting passports, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday during a bilateral summit with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We want to see Nigerian products on the shelves of South African shops,” Ramaphosa said during the 11th session of the Bi-National Commission in Cape Town. The visa reforms aim to increase Nigerian investment and business activity in South Africa.

The announcement comes as the two nations mark 30 years of diplomatic relations, established in February 1994. The meeting highlighted growing economic cooperation between Africa’s largest economies.

Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola welcomed the Nigerian delegation, emphasizing the “strong bonds of cooperation and solidarity” between the countries.

The reforms represent a significant shift in South Africa’s typically strict visa policies toward Nigerian travelers. Business leaders from Nigeria have long called for easier access to South Africa’s market.

President Tinubu led a delegation to the bilateral talks, which focused on expanding trade and investment ties. The commission serves as the primary forum for high-level engagement between the two economic powerhouses.

South African officials expect the streamlined visa process to boost Nigerian business presence and tourism, though specific implementation timelines were not announced during Tuesday’s session.