Nigeria and South Africa have solidified their commitment to bolstering cooperation in the mining sector through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement, reached during a bilateral meeting in Abuja between key ministers from both nations, marks a significant step towards leveraging their respective strengths for mutual economic growth and development across the African continent. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, formalized the MoU, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration rooted in the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

The MoU is designed to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, promote investment, build capacity, encourage regional integration, and add value to the mining industries of both nations. It aligns with the broader objectives of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa, underscoring a shared vision for Africa’s sustainable development. Key areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include:

Minister Dele Alake emphasized the milestone nature of this engagement, highlighting its potential to deepen bilateral relations and drive industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth. He noted that the partnership allows South Africa to benefit from Nigeria’s extensive mineral resources, while Nigeria can leverage South Africa’s advanced mining expertise.

Gwede Mantashe echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that South Africa, with its well-established mining sector, stands to gain from Nigeria’s renewed focus on mining. He emphasized that his visit aimed to refine agreements under the Bi-National Commission and strengthen cooperation on joint projects with Nigeria’s ministry.

Both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and implement actionable steps outlined in the MoU. They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries.

The signing ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Steel Development; Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; and Chris Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, along with senior officials from both ministries and members of the South African delegation led by Minister Mantashe.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to Minister Alake, further detailed that the MoU includes specific implementation timelines for joint activities. He reiterated the ministers' commitment to advancing intra-African trade and implementing practical steps from the agreement, reinforcing the anticipation that this partnership will significantly strengthen the mining industries of both nations through shared expertise and innovation.

The agreement also aims to support capacity building in elemental fingerprinting and joint exploration of agro and energy minerals within Nigeria. Minister Alake stressed that this bilateral cooperation promises industrialization, employment generation, and sustainable economic development across Africa. He affirmed that the synergy between Nigeria’s mineral wealth and South Africa’s technological expertise will attract investments, build skills, and diversify Nigeria’s economy for long-term growth and stability.

This collaborative effort represents a strategic move towards maximizing the potential of the mining sector in both Nigeria and South Africa, fostering economic growth and development through shared knowledge, technology, and investment.