Nigeria and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance mining cooperation through investment, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange. The agreement aims to strengthen ties under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission with key focus areas including capacity building and geoscientific data sharing.
Nigeria and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing mining cooperation. The agreement, focusing on investment, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer, was signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe. It is part of efforts to strengthen ties within the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission framework.
The MoU outlines specific areas for collaboration with set timelines for joint activities in the mining sector, as highlighted by Mr Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori. The ministers committed to promoting intra-African trade and implementing the practical steps indicated in the agreement. They believe this renewed partnership will improve both nations’ mining industries through shared expertise and innovation.
Key collaboration areas include capacity building in geological methods using UAVs, applying spectral remote sensing technologies, and sharing geoscientific data via the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency. The MoU also targets training in mineral processing and value addition initiatives, and supports capacity building in elemental fingerprinting with LA-ICP-MS.
Mr Alake underscored the cooperation’s potential for promoting industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa. He affirmed that the agreement on geology and mining would facilitate knowledge exchange, boost investment, and encourage regional integration. The aim is to attract investments and diversify Nigeria’s economy using South Africa’s mining technological expertise.
The MoU between Nigeria and South Africa marks a significant step towards enhancing mining cooperation. By focusing on mutual investment, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange, both countries aim to strengthen their mining sectors. With key collaborations identified, such initiatives promise to foster economic growth and regional integration across Africa.
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