By Fatima Saka
In a landmark move to accelerate industrial growth and economic integration across the continent, Nigeria and South Africa are strengthening ties in the mining sector. The two nations, endowed with vast mineral resources, are laying the groundwork for a strategic partnership aimed at driving sustainable development, job creation, and investment in Africa’s solid minerals industry.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Technical Working Visit on Mining Sector Cooperation held yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, underscored the strategic significance of the bilateral partnership in advancing the continent’s development goals.
“Our partnership can unlock Africa’s mineral wealth, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth,” Alake stated. “With South Africa’s world-class mining expertise and Nigeria’s vast mineral deposits, we are laying the groundwork for a transformative collaboration that will benefit both nations and the continent at large.”
The high-level visit brought together senior government officials and technical experts from both countries, led by South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Hon. Gwede Mantashe, and Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu.
Central to the discussions was a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on cooperation in geology, mining, and mineral processing. The agreement aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint ventures, and investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector.
Dr. Alake highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through the development of solid minerals. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to creating a transparent, investor-friendly mining environment.
“As we push for reforms, we remain equally committed to environmental sustainability and the well-being of host communities,” he added.
In his closing remarks, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, described the meeting as a milestone in bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“This session has set the stage for technical and strategic alignment. We are prepared to implement the resolutions reached and move toward tangible outcomes,” Audu said. He praised the South African delegation for their contributions and reaffirmed Nigeria’s intent to strengthen cooperation in mineral processing, metallurgy, and mining governance.
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Both ministers expressed optimism that the partnership would position Nigeria and South Africa as continental leaders in responsible and inclusive mineral development, contributing to the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The MoU is expected to be finalized and signed in the coming months, paving the way for new investments, job creation, and the sustainable exploitation of Africa’s mineral wealth.
