Nigeria and South Africa launched a strategic mining partnership aimed at enhancing collaboration in mineral development and industrialisation. The initiative focuses on technology transfer and investment promotion, with a Memorandum of Understanding being finalised. Both countries aim to leverage each other’s expertise, particularly in crucial minerals, to foster economic benefits and strengthen bilateral relationships.
Nigeria and South Africa have established a strategic partnership to enhance collaboration in the mining sector, aiming to boost mineral development and industrialisation in Africa. This initiative was announced during the Nigeria-South Africa Technical Working Visit on Mining Sector Cooperation in Abuja on April 16, 2025, attended by notable ministers from both nations.
Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, highlighted the alliance’s potential to harness Africa’s mineral resources, create jobs, and support sustainable development. He noted that both countries are in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on technology transfer, investment promotion, and capacity building in mining.
Dr. Alake emphasised Nigeria’s transformation within the mining sector under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, aiming to attract investment by creating a conducive environment for responsible mining. He intends to leverage South Africa’s mining expertise, particularly in lithium, gold, tin, baryte, and rare earth elements, to enhance Nigeria’s value chains.
Prince Shuaibu Audu, Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, described the discussions as productive and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to implementing the resolutions. He acknowledged South Africa’s delegation for their contributions, highlighting that the partnership aims to drive economic benefits and value addition across mineral value chains.
Both ministers recognised the importance of continued collaboration between the technical teams from each country to ensure the successful execution of agreed priorities. This cooperation aligns with broader efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance trade and integration, positioning both nations as leaders in sustainable mineral development.
The strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa in the mining sector is designed to enhance cooperation, attract investment, and promote sustainable development across Africa. By focusing on technology transfer, capacity building, and joint ventures, both countries aim to unlock their mineral wealth and strengthen bilateral ties. This initiative is part of wider efforts to boost intra-African trade and integration under the AfCFTA framework.
Original Source: independent.ng