Nigeria and South Africa took a significant step toward strengthening their partnership in the solid minerals sector during a technical working session held in Abuja. The meeting, which brought together key officials from both countries, was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe.
Dr Alake stressed the importance of collaboration between the two nations, describing it as a powerful force for driving industrial growth, employment opportunities and long-term development across the continent. He pointed out that Nigeria and South Africa have maintained a strong relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Africa’s progress.
Highlighting Nigeria’s recent reforms in the mining sector, Alake explained that the changes introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are aimed at attracting more investment and increasing local value addition. He acknowledged that despite Africa’s immense mineral resources, many opportunities remain untapped due to challenges in infrastructure and technology. He expressed confidence that by partnering with South Africa, which has more advanced mining systems, Nigeria can overcome these barriers and unlock greater economic potential.
Both countries are working toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding that will focus on key areas such as knowledge exchange, investment promotion and capacity building for professionals in the sector.
Minister Gwede Mantashe urged South African stakeholders to actively collaborate with their Nigerian counterparts to support the continent’s broader economic development. Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, also commended the session, calling it a landmark moment. He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to implement the outcomes of the discussion and begin work on the resolutions reached.
The session marks a renewed commitment by the two largest economies in Africa to use their strengths for collective advancement in the mining industry.
