Nigeria and South Africa have signed an agreement to work together in developing their mining industries, with the goal of boosting industrial growth and creating more jobs in both countries.
The deal, signed in Abuja, is part of a renewed effort to strengthen ties between the two nations under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, which was recently reactivated by President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The agreement focuses on the solid minerals sector, which both countries see as a key area for economic growth and sustainable development.
It was signed 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 described the agreement as a major step forward, saying it will help drive innovation, attract investment, build skills, and promote cooperation across the region.
Some of the areas of collaboration include training in the use of drones for geological work, sharing advanced technologies for mineral exploration, and exchanging geoscientific data.
There will also be programs focused on improving the processing of raw minerals and using new techniques for identifying and tracking mineral resources.
The partnership will explore Nigeria’s large reserves of agricultural and energy-related minerals, and draw on South Africa’s decades of mining experience.
Dr. Alake said this will help create a stronger mining industry that supports local industries and builds investor confidence.
Minister Mantashe said South Africa is eager to work more closely with Nigeria, and his visit aimed to turn recent diplomatic agreements into practical results.
Both countries agreed to carry out the agreement within a clear timeline and to regularly check on progress.
They also plan to support partnerships between governments and private businesses, especially through opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The signing was attended by several top government officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, and other senior officials from the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, as well as members of the South African delegation.
