Nigeria and Brazil have taken a historic step toward strengthening bilateral ties by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on space technology, research, and innovation.
The agreement was signed in Brasília by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.
The signing was witnessed by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in climate monitoring, national security, and space vehicle projects.
It also includes cooperation in capacity building and technology transfer, giving Nigerian scientists and engineers practical experience in advanced technologies.
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A key aspect of the partnership is the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen environmental conservation.
AI methods will be deployed to protect Brazil’s Amazon rainforest and the Nigeria-Cameroon basin, both of which are critical to global biodiversity and climate stability.
The deal also incorporates Earth monitoring systems to boost resilience against natural disasters and food crises, allowing both countries to leverage technology to tackle pressing development challenges.
Although space exploration is the central focus, the agreement is part of a broader cooperation framework that extends to biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, digital transformation, space development, and new materials, according to Space in Africa.
The science and technology MoU was one of five bilateral agreements signed during President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil.
In addition, Nigeria and Brazil agreed to expand diplomatic training, hold regular political consultations to strengthen institutional ties, and signed a new Air Services Agreement to promote trade, tourism, and closer people-to-people connections.
Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) also partnered with Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture to foster commerce, development, and agricultural investment.
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Image Credit: Nigerian Eye
