Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s mining powerhouses, have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in the solid minerals sector. The agreement, inked in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, signals a new era of resource-driven partnership on the continent.

Described as a strategic alignment under the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, the MoU paves the way for increased investment, advanced knowledge sharing, and the transfer of cutting-edge mining technologies between the two nations.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to Minister Alake, said the agreement outlines specific areas of collaboration with clear timelines for implementation, ranging from exploration to value addition.

“Both ministers pledged ongoing engagement to advance intra-African trade and implement practical steps outlined in the agreement,” Mr Tomori said.

Key components of the pact include capacity building in advanced geological methods using drones (UAVs), spectral remote sensing for mineral exploration, and sharing of geoscientific data via Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency.

Also central to the deal are training initiatives in mineral processing, value addition, and elemental fingerprinting using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The countries will also jointly explore agro and energy minerals within Nigeria.

Minister Alake hailed the agreement as a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable growth. “The agreement on geology, mining, and mineral processing will foster knowledge exchange, promote investment, and encourage regional integration,” he stated. 

Echoing the sentiment, Minister Mantashe underscored the importance of intra-African trade and the urgent need for countries on the continent to work together for mutual prosperity.

With this strategic alliance, Nigeria aims to harness South Africa’s technological edge to scale up its mining sector, turning its mineral potential into economic powerhouses that can uplift millions and deepen regional integration.