Nigeria and South Africa Sign Mining MoU to Drive Industrialization and Job Creation
Nigeria and South Africa have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their mining sectors, aiming to accelerate industrialization and job creation in both nations. The agreement, signed in Abuja, is part of broader efforts to enhance cooperation within the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, which was recently revitalized by Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. This strategic partnership focuses on the solid minerals sector, identified as crucial for economic growth and sustainable development.
The MoU, formalized during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe, sets the stage for robust collaboration. Key areas of focus include technology transfer, investment promotion, skills development, and regional integration. Dr. Alake emphasized that mining could be a transformative force for Africa’s economic landscape, highlighting the importance of value addition and long-term prosperity.
Significant initiatives under the agreement include capacity building in geoscience using UAVs, the development of advanced mineral exploration technologies, and the sharing of crucial geoscientific data. The partnership also plans to enhance mineral processing skills and promote the exploration of agro and energy minerals, particularly in Nigeria, which boasts significant untapped resources. Both nations will focus on boosting local expertise, improving mineral traceability, and advancing regional integration.
Both governments expressed strong commitment to the success of this partnership. Dr. Alake reiterated that the Nigerian government is focused on transforming the mining industry as a pillar of economic diversification. Minister Mantashe welcomed the opportunity to expand South Africa’s influence in Africa, particularly through knowledge sharing and industrial cooperation. The agreement will be implemented within a set timeline, with regular progress reviews, and aims to foster public-private partnerships in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Source: Naira Metrics