Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant step toward bolstering continental economic growth, Nigeria and South Africa have formalised a strategic partnership in mining development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed under the auspices of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, aims to deepen cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies in the solid minerals sector.
The MoU was signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe. It outlines key areas of collaboration, including timelines for implementation and mutual commitments to technology exchange, capacity building, and investment promotion.
Describing the agreement as a “landmark development,” Dr. Alake said the partnership would catalyse growth and industrialisation across Africa. He emphasised that the initiative builds on historic diplomatic and economic ties between both nations, grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for African progress.
“This Memorandum of Understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, promoting investment, building capacity, and enhancing value addition across the continent,” said Dr. Alake, in a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori.
Key highlights of the MoU include:
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Capacity building in geological applications using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
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Utilisation of multi- and hyper-spectral remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration
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Sharing of geoscientific data on strategic minerals via the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA)
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Training on mineral processing and value addition
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Development of elemental fingerprinting technology using LA-ICP-MS
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Joint exploration of agro and energy minerals in Nigeria
Dr. Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to revitalising its mining sector, noting that the country’s vast untapped mineral resources offer significant opportunities for partnership. He added that South Africa’s extensive mining experience positions it as a valuable collaborator in Nigeria’s efforts to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.
In response, Minister Mantashe highlighted South Africa’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s mining ambitions through joint projects, enhanced technical cooperation, and shared innovation. He said his visit was part of a broader strategy to strengthen outcomes from the Bi-National Commission and explore tangible avenues for collaboration.
“Mining remains a pillar of South Africa’s economy, and we see immense potential in working closely with Nigeria to unlock the value in its solid minerals sector,” Mantashe stated.
The signing ceremony was attended by 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; as well as senior government officials and delegates from both countries.
Both nations pledged ongoing engagement to ensure successful implementation of the agreement, which is expected to accelerate intra-African trade and contribute significantly to the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
