Nigeria, South Africa Sign Minerals Pact for Jobs, Industrial Growth

Nigeria and South Africa have signed a new mining agreement set to unlock job opportunities and boost industrialization across both countries toward deepening economic ties and driving industrial transformation.

The deal, signed in Abuja, represents a fresh chapter in the strategic partnership between Africa’s two largest economies. At the heart of this agreement is a shared ambition: to turn the continent’s rich mineral resources into a foundation for sustainable development.

It is a turning point for bilateral cooperation

This new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) falls under the broader Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, which was recently revitalized by Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The signing took place during a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.

Dr. Alake described the agreement as more than just a diplomatic gesture it’s a major leap toward regional progress. “This MoU lays the groundwork for real cooperation in areas that matter technology, investment, skills, and data. It’s about taking control of our resources and using them to power our future,” he said.

What the Deal Covers

The partnership covers a wide range of initiatives designed to modernize mining operations and encourage cross-border innovation. Some of the standout areas include:

• Drone Technology for Geoscience: Nigeria and South Africa will work together to develop local talent in using UAVs (drones) for geological mapping and surveys.
  
• Cutting-Edge Exploration Tools: The countries will share advanced remote sensing technologies that help in discovering and mapping mineral resources.
  
• Mineral Data Sharing: Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency will lead the charge in exchanging valuable data on strategic and critical minerals.
  
• Hands-On Training in Processing: Local professionals will receive training on how to refine and add value to raw minerals.
  
• Modern Traceability Methods: The deal includes cooperation on using elemental fingerprint technology to improve mineral identification and traceability.
  
• Focus on Agro and Energy Minerals: Nigeria’s largely untapped agro-mineral and energy mineral deposits will be a key part of the exploration efforts.
  

South Africa’s experience meets Nigeria’s potential

The partnership brings together Nigeria’s vast mineral reserves with South Africa’s long-standing experience in mining governance, infrastructure, and finance. Minister Alake believes this combination is essential for creating a mining ecosystem that supports local industries, builds capacity, and attracts serious investors.

Minister Mantashe echoed this sentiment, saying the partnership shows South Africa’s intention to deepen industrial ties across the continent. “We’re here to translate diplomatic talks into real, actionable projects,” he said. “This is about building something that lasts.”

What happens next?

Both governments have committed to rolling out the agreement with clear timelines and regular evaluations. Public-private partnerships will also play a major role, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seen as a key opportunity to scale these initiatives.

The event drew top officials from both sides, including Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, and senior directors from the ministries involved. South Africa’s delegation was led by Minister Mantashe himself.

At its core, this minerals pact is about more than mining. It signals a growing determination among African nations to build economic strength through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on homegrown solutions. 

For Nigeria and South Africa, this could be the start of a new era, one where the continent leads its own industrial revolution.