In a landmark move to advance industrialization and job creation, Nigeria and South Africa have signed a bilateral agreement to deepen cooperation in mining development.
The deal, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja, reflects both countries’ commitment to leveraging their respective strengths in mineral resources to boost local economies, attract investment, and foster sustainable development.
The agreement, signed under the umbrella of the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission recently revitalized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa, is being celebrated as a critical milestone in the economic diplomacy between the two African giants.
During the bilateral meeting at Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, met with South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe, to finalize the terms of the agreement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Alake described the signing as a transformative step in unlocking Africa’s mining potential.
“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 stated.
The wide-ranging pact includes collaboration on advanced exploration technologies such as multi- and hyper-spectral remote sensing for geological mapping, as well as training in mineral processing and beneficiation techniques to increase the value derived from raw minerals.
It also covers geoscientific capacity building through the use of drones (UAVs), data sharing on critical minerals between the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and its South African counterparts, and knowledge exchange on cutting-edge elemental fingerprint technology such as LA-ICP-MS.
Dr. Alake emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic diversification agenda.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, still largely untapped, and recognized South Africa’s extensive experience in mining governance and technical operations as essential to building a resilient and competitive mining ecosystem in Nigeria.
“We are building a mining industry that not only attracts investors but also supports local value chains, creates jobs, and transfers critical skills to Nigerians,” he said.
Minister Mantashe, in his remarks, welcomed the partnership and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to fostering intra-African cooperation through technology exchange, knowledge transfer, and private-sector-driven industrialization.
He noted that his visit was a direct follow-up on the recent Bi-National Commission summit and that the agreement marked a transition from policy dialogues to tangible action.
“This partnership is about results—about moving from diplomacy to delivery,” Mantashe said.
Both ministers pledged to implement the MoU within a defined timeline, with structured mechanisms for regular reviews, progress tracking, and accountability.
They also expressed their intention to foster public-private partnerships and to maximize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The signing ceremony drew attendance from several top government officials, including Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; and Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development.
Senior directors from both ministries and a high-level South African delegation also witnessed the event.
As both nations look ahead, the MoU is expected to usher in a new era of collaborative industrial growth, shared prosperity, and continental integration through the strategic development of Africa’s mining potential.
