Are we still brethren in africa? interrogating the xenophobic attacks and nigeria-south africa economic relations in the recent time

The quantum of xenophobism have been a major source of concern for the globalizing and liberal world at large. This is as a result of its recurring nature and complexities as it creates economic nationalism against preaches for opening of different nations' economies. In Africa, the reverse has been the case as lives and property of Africans had been lost, and tensions created between South Africa and other Africans, including Nigerians. Scholars who have done research on this area have not sufficiently criticized the status of imports and exports, and impacts the attacks may have had on trade agreements between both countries. However, it is against this backdrop that the paper examined xenophobic attacks in relations to importation and exportation that take place between Nigeria and South Africa, and the trade agreements between both countries, involving progressive steps to further improve trade. Methodologically, the paper utilized documentary method and data were generated through the secondary sources and analyzed in content. The framework of analysis for the study was anchored on the Complex Interdependence Model(CIM), developed by Robert O Keohane and Joseph S. Nye. The theory highlighted that Nigeria and South Africa will be willing to enter into cooperative alliances even in the times of anarchy and conflict. The finding of the study has adequately revealed that xenophobic attacks have not affected rate of importation-exportation activities, and has not undermined ongoing trade deliberations between both countries. The paper recommended amongst others, that the governments of both countries should ensure adequate opening and distribution of national economies to the contents and benefits of their citizens. Also, there should be provisions in immigration laws of both countries to enable for the foreigners.