***“Together, we can unlock Africa’s mineral wealth,” says Alake
Nigeria and South Africa have taken a bold step toward deepening their collaboration in the mining sector, as both nations seek to harness their vast mineral resources to fuel industrialization and economic growth across the continent.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Technical Working Visit on Mining Sector Cooperation in Abuja on April 16, 2025, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
“Our partnership can unlock Africa’s mineral wealth, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth,” Alake said. “With South Africa’s world-class mining expertise and Nigeria’s rich mineral deposits, we are laying the foundation for a strategic collaboration that will benefit both nations and the continent at large.”
The visit brought together senior government officials and technical teams from both countries, led by South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Hon. Gwede Mantashe, and Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu Abubakar.
At the heart of the engagement is a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in geology, mining, and mineral processing. The agreement aims to:
Facilitate technology and knowledge transfer;
Promote cross-border investments in mining;
Support capacity building and joint research;
Align strategies with the African Mining Vision;
Enhance value addition in the mineral sector.
Dr. Alake noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes diversification through solid minerals. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building a transparent, investment-friendly mining environment.
“As we pursue reforms, we are equally committed to environmental sustainability and community development,” Alake added.
In his closing remarks, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, hailed the meeting as a milestone in Nigeria-South Africa relations.
“This session has laid the groundwork for technical and strategic alignment. We are ready to implement the key resolutions reached and move toward tangible outcomes,” Audu said.
He commended the South African delegation for their insights and reiterated Nigeria’s interest in deepening cooperation in mineral processing, metallurgy, and mining governance.
Both ministers expressed optimism that the partnership would position Nigeria and South Africa as continental leaders in responsible and inclusive mineral development, while contributing to the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two countries are expected to finalize and sign the MoU in the coming months, paving the way for new investments, job creation, and sustainable exploitation of Africa’s mineral wealth.
