Nigeria and South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in the mining sector.

The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, and Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s minister of mineral resources and energy, held in Abuja.

The MoU, which outlines key areas of collaboration along with implementation timelines, is part of efforts to solidify the partnership established through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa.

Key highlights of the MoU include capacity building in geological applications using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), utilisation of multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping.

Others include sharing of geo-scientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), training on mineral processing and value addition, capacity building on elemental fingerprint technology using LA-ICP-MS, and exploration of agro and energy minerals in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to the minister, Alake described the engagement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations, especially in the mining sector.

Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, the minister acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development.

‘THE PARTNERSHIP WILL CREATE JOBS’

Alake said working together in the mining sector presents significant opportunities for driving industrialisation, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth throughout the continent.

“The memorandum of understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition,” Alake said.

He underscored Nigeria’s renewed commitment to advancing its mining industry, noting that South Africa stands to gain from Nigeria’s extensive mineral resources, just as Nigeria can leverage South Africa’s mining expertise.

The synergy, the minister said, would open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification.

In response, Mantashe acknowledged that South Africa, where mining is a key pillar of the economy, could benefit from Nigeria’s revitalised interest in the sector.

He noted that his visit was intended to refine the agreements reached under the Bi-National Commission and strengthen cooperation on joint projects with Nigeria’s ministry of solid minerals development.

The ministry said both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU.

“They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries,” the ministry added.

The MoU signing was attended by Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development; Mary Ogbe, permanent secretary of the ministry of solid minerals development; Chris Isokpunwu, permanent secretary of the ministry of steel development; alongside senior officials from both solid minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by Mantashe.

[TheCable]