Nigeria and South Africa have formalized a collaborative agreement aimed at advancing their mining industries, with the objective of promoting industrial growth and job creation in both nations.
This agreement was signed in Abuja and is part of a renewed initiative to enhance bilateral relations under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, recently revitalized by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa.
The focus of this agreement lies in the solid minerals sector, identified by both countries as pivotal for economic advancement and sustainable development.
The signing occurred during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.
Dr. Alake emphasized that the agreement represents a significant milestone, stating it will catalyze innovation, attract investment, enhance skills development, and foster regional cooperation.
The collaboration encompasses various areas, including training in drone technologies for geological surveys, sharing advanced mineral exploration technologies, and exchanging geoscientific data.
Additionally, there will be initiatives aimed at improving raw mineral processing and employing new methods for identifying and tracking mineral resources.
The partnership will leverage Nigeria’s abundant reserves of agricultural and energy-related minerals while benefiting from South Africa’s extensive experience in mining.
Dr. Alake highlighted that this cooperation will contribute to a robust mining sector that supports local industries and bolsters investor confidence.
Minister Mantashe expressed South Africa’s enthusiasm for closer collaboration with Nigeria, indicating that his visit was aimed at translating recent diplomatic agreements into tangible outcomes.
Both countries committed to executing the agreement within a defined timeline and to regularly monitor progress.
Furthermore, they intend to encourage partnerships between government entities and private enterprises, particularly by leveraging opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The signing ceremony was attended by various high-ranking officials from both nations, including Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, and senior representatives from the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, along with members of the South African delegation.
