Nigeria and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the mining sector.

The agreement, signed by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe, aims to promote knowledge sharing, technology transfer, investment, and capacity building.

Key Highlights of the MoU

• Capacity Building: Training in geological applications using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing Technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping.
• Data Sharing: Exchange of geoscientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).
• Mineral Processing: Training on mineral processing and value addition, as well as capacity building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS.
• Exploration: Joint exploration of agro and energy minerals in Nigeria.

Mutual Benefits
The partnership will enable Nigeria to tap into South Africa’s advanced mining expertise, while South Africa will benefit from Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, estimated at $700 billion, comprising lithium, iron, coal, and gold.

This synergy is expected to open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The MoU signing is a milestone in deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development.

Both ministers have committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU.