South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his country’s interest in partnering with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, particularly lithium, to advance the green energy transition and the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, Ramaphosa noted the strategic importance of Nigeria’s vast lithium reserves in driving industrialization and clean energy manufacturing.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Ramaphosa urged private sector players and development finance institutions to invest in infrastructure and scale up manufacturing capabilities in the EV sector.
“There is also much opportunity for cooperation on pharmaceuticals. Our two countries are strategically positioned to benefit from the rapid growth of clean energy manufacturing industries,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and Investment Plan, which anticipates massive investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the coming years.
The South African leader highlighted the need for African countries to process and add value to critical minerals at their source to promote green industrialization.
“We should leverage each other’s capabilities in minerals processing. We must work together to ensure critical minerals are beneficiated at source. We call on businesses to support and involve themselves in these initiatives.”
Beyond economic collaboration, President Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, describing the country as a “valued sister nation.”
He made the declaration during the official launch of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town, shortly before co-chairing the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting between Nigeria and South Africa alongside Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
South Africa and the African Union currently represent the continent in the G20, but Ramaphosa advocated for the inclusion of other key African nations, including Nigeria, to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.
“Africa has been the neglected continent for the longest time. Our population is set to grow significantly, making Africa a major growth story in the years to come.
“We want that growth to be recognized by having more African countries in the G20,” Ramaphosa said.
The South African leader noted that his country had championed the African Union’s admission into the G20 in 2023 and pledged to continue advocating for stronger African representation in global decision-making bodies.
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