15 major takeaways from Tinubu’s speech in South Africa

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, December 3, addressed the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-national Commission in Cape Town, South Africa.

In his speech, Tinubu highlighted his vision for fostering closer ties between Nigeria and South Africa, emphasizing their shared responsibility to steer Africa toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Here are 15 major takeaways from his speech

1. Historical Brotherhood: President Tinubu praised the deep relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, built on solidarity during the fight against apartheid and the shared pursuit of justice and freedom.

2. Mutual Responsibility: He emphasized the duty both nations have to lead Africa in achieving liberation, equality, and good governance.

3. Youth as Africa’s Future: Tinubu highlighted the importance of empowering the youth in both nations, describing them as Africa’s greatest asset for sustainable growth.

4. Economic Integration: He called for Nigeria and South Africa to act as the engines of economic development in Africa and to strengthen ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

5. From Agreements to Action: Tinubu urged both nations to focus on implementing the many agreements and MoUs signed over the years, emphasizing that progress must be practical and results-driven.

6. Stronger Business Relationships: He acknowledged the success of South African companies like MTN and Multichoice in Nigeria, as well as Nigerian businesses like Dangote and Access Bank in South Africa. However, he noted the need to address ongoing challenges and gaps in these relationships.

7. Collaboration Between Youths: Tinubu called for stronger connections between Nigerian and South African youth, encouraging partnerships that would unlock their innovation and drive development.

8. Global Advocacy: He reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to pushing for reforms in global institutions like the UN, promoting disarmament, and addressing Africa’s lingering colonial legacies.

9. Fighting Illegal Mining: Tinubu proposed a coalition of African nations to tackle illegal mining, which he described as a major threat to economic stability, environmental health, and governance on the continent.

10. Aspiration for G20 Membership: He expressed Nigeria’s ambition to join South Africa and the African Union in the G20, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard in global decision-making.

11. Partnership as a Model: Tinubu envisioned the Nigeria-South Africa partnership as a beacon of leadership, serving as a blueprint for collaboration across the continent.

12. Human Capital Development: Beyond natural resources, he stressed the importance of nurturing Africa’s human resources, particularly its youth, for a prosperous future.

13. Staying United: Tinubu emphasized the need for unity between the two countries to fulfill their leadership roles and drive transformation across Africa.

14. Changing Africa’s Story: He challenged both nations to work together to change global perceptions of Africa, presenting it as a continent of opportunity, not despair.

15. Using G20 Presidency for Africa: Tinubu encouraged South Africa to use its current presidency of the G20 to champion development across the continent, ensuring Africa’s priorities remain central on the global stage.