Nigeria is actively seeking a partnership with South Africa to enhance its mining sector through shared expertise, infrastructure financing, and professional certification. This initiative was unveiled by Nigeria’s Minister of State, Bianca Ojukwu, during the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting in South Africa.
Highlighting the potential of the collaboration, Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to capacity building in the mining sector, particularly in certifying Nigerian geologists and other professionals. She disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been drafted and presented to South African officials for review.
“This partnership holds immense promise for both nations,” Ojukwu stated. “It reflects our shared vision to not only strengthen bilateral ties but also harness the potential of our mining sectors for economic growth.”
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South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Mr. Naledi Pandor, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about deepening trade relations between the two countries. He reiterated the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a robust framework for collaboration.
The proposed partnership is in line with Nigeria’s focus on learning from South Africa’s advanced mining industry to build its own capacity. Both nations aim to use this collaboration to create opportunities for economic development and strengthen their positions in the global mining landscape.
The BNC meeting serves as a testament to the growing synergy between Nigeria and South Africa, with mining emerging as a key area of focus. This strategic alliance is expected to unlock new opportunities for both countries while setting a precedent for inter-African cooperation.
