Nigeria and South Africa have entered into a strategic partnership to advance cooperation in the mining industry, aiming to foster investment, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange between the two nations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.
The agreement sets the foundation for collaboration in several critical areas, including geological mapping with drone technology, mineral data sharing, and joint exploration of agricultural and energy-related minerals within Nigeria.
Unlocking Industrial and Economic Potential
Speaking at the signing, Minister Alake highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership, noting that it could catalyze industrialization, create employment opportunities, and drive sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Although Nigeria is widely known for its oil wealth, the country is home to over 23 commercially viable mineral resources—including gold, lithium, iron ore, limestone, and zinc—many of which remain largely underexploited. Currently, the mining sector contributes less than 1% to Nigeria’s GDP, reflecting its untapped potential.
In contrast, South Africa’s mining sector is among the most developed globally, backed by a robust infrastructure and vast reserves of platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, and other valuable minerals. The industry is a vital pillar of the South African economy, ranking fifth in the world in terms of its contribution to national GDP.
Strategic Collaboration for Shared Prosperity
Minister Alake emphasized that South Africa’s technical expertise, operational experience, and mining infrastructure make it an ideal ally as Nigeria seeks to revive and expand its mineral sector.
“This partnership aligns with our vision to diversify Nigeria’s economy, attract foreign direct investment, and create new value chains through mineral development,” said Alake.
By combining South Africa’s mining capabilities with Nigeria’s resource-rich landscape, the agreement is expected to spur innovation, enhance exploration efficiency, and build capacity across both nations.
This initiative marks a significant step toward regional collaboration in Africa’s mining landscape, setting the stage for more sustainable, diversified, and resilient economies on the continent.
