Nigeria, South Africa sign MoU to boost mining sector
Nigeria and South Africa have entered into a strategic agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in the mining sector, marking a significant move in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
The agreement, signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe, falls under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission framework. It sets the stage for increased investment, knowledge sharing, and the transfer of technology between the two nations.
Scope of MoU
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines specific areas of collaboration, including the use of drone technology and spectral remote sensing for geological mapping and mineral exploration. Additionally, the agreement promotes the exchange of geoscientific data between the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency and its South African counterpart, along with joint training programs focused on mineral processing, value addition, and the application of advanced techniques such as Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for mineral analysis. Both countries will also collaborate on the exploration and development of agro and energy minerals within Nigeria.
Nigeria, which has over 23 commercially viable mineral resources including gold, lithium, limestone, iron ore, and zinc, is seeking to revive its long-neglected mining sector, which currently contributes less than one percent to the national GDP. With South Africa’s well-established mining industry and technical expertise, the partnership is expected to drive industrial growth, attract investment, build local capacity, and generate employment opportunities. According to Minister Alake, this renewed cooperation not only supports Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy but also promotes broader African integration and sustainable development across the continent.
