'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his country’s interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, particularly lithium, to drive the global green energy transition and bolster the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa highlighted Nigeria's vast lithium reserves as a critical resource for industrialisation in the EV sector.
He called on private sector players and development finance institutions to collaborate in building infrastructure and scaling up manufacturing capabilities in the green energy space.
"There is much opportunity for cooperation on pharmaceuticals and clean energy manufacturing industries. South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan to attract massive investments in renewable energy and the green economy. By leveraging the abundant natural resources in our countries, we can promote green industrialisation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Collaborative Green Energy Vision
Ramaphosa proposed that Nigeria and South Africa work together to process critical minerals at their source, creating value for local economies and enhancing their competitiveness in the global market. He urged businesses in both nations to support these initiatives.
The South African president also outlined the Just Transition Framework as a model for harnessing renewable energy investments, which is expected to bolster green economic growth across the continent.
Backing Nigeria’s G20 Bid
President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s bid for membership in the G20, describing Nigeria as a “valued sister country.”
This declaration came during the official launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20, minutes before President Ramaphosa received Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Tuynhuys to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two nations.
Ramaphosa stressed the need for broader African representation in the G20, noting that South Africa had been the sole African voice in the group before the African Union’s recent admission.
“Other key African countries should be admitted to the G20 so that we can raise the voice of Africa, a continent that has been neglected for the longest time. We have a presence, and we will be the biggest growth story in years to come,” Ramaphosa said.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
At the BNC, Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and political cooperation. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.
The partnership is expected to position both nations as leaders in Africa's push for industrialisation and sustainable development, leveraging their natural and human resources to drive economic growth.
A Unified Vision for Africa’s Future
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for South Africa’s support in Nigeria’s G20 bid, emphasizing the importance of Africa speaking with one voice on global issues.
The bilateral discussions underscore the shared vision of both nations to champion the continent’s interests on the global stage, ensuring Africa’s resources and growth potential are fully recognised.
