Nigeria and South Africa have taken a bold step toward strengthening economic cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing mining development between the two countries. The agreement, a direct outcome of the recently inaugurated Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa, sets the stage for a new era of collaboration in solid minerals exploration, technology exchange, and industrial growth.
At a bilateral meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, welcomed South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe, to formalize the agreement. Speaking at the signing, Dr. Alake described the engagement as a defining moment in the relationship between the two nations, particularly in unlocking the continent’s mineral potential.
“The Memorandum of Understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today,” he said, “will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition.”
Drawing on the historical ties and shared aspirations between Nigeria and South Africa, Alake highlighted the enormous prospects embedded in deeper mining cooperation, noting that such synergy could catalyze industrialization, create employment, and foster sustainable development across Africa. He emphasized that while Nigeria possesses immense untapped mineral wealth, South Africa brings to the table a legacy of mining expertise and technological advancement.
“Nigeria stands ready to harness its vast mineral wealth, and South Africa’s advanced mining capabilities can help us fast-track industrial growth, create jobs, and diversify our economy,” he added.
In response, Minister Mantashe commended Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the mining sector, affirming South Africa’s interest in working closely with Nigeria to actualize the shared goals set by the Bi-National Commission. “South Africa has always recognized the strategic importance of mining to its economy. This partnership allows us to share knowledge and pursue practical, mutually beneficial projects. My visit is to fine-tune the agreements of the Bi-National Commission and deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development,” he stated.
The MoU outlines collaborative areas such as geological mapping using cutting-edge technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles and multi-spectral sensing, training in mineral processing, and the exchange of geoscientific data through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency. It also covers elemental fingerprinting techniques and joint exploration of agro and energy minerals—initiatives both parties believe will significantly elevate the mining value chain on the continent.
Both ministers expressed confidence that the agreement would not only boost the mining sectors of their respective countries but also enhance intra-African trade and economic integration. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the timely and effective implementation of the MoU.
Present at the ceremony were Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; and senior government officials from both countries, alongside the South African delegation led by Minister Mantashe.