President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s strong interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, particularly lithium, to advance the green energy transition and support the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable on Tuesday in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted Nigeria’s vast lithium reserves as a cornerstone for industrialization in the EV sector. He called for private sector and development finance institutions to invest in building infrastructure and scaling manufacturing capabilities in clean energy and EV battery production.
“There is immense potential for cooperation in pharmaceuticals and clean energy manufacturing. Our two countries are strategically positioned to benefit from this rapid global transition,” Ramaphosa stated.
He detailed South Africa’s Just Transition Framework and Investment Plan, which anticipates substantial investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the coming years.
“We must leverage our abundant natural resources to promote green industrialization. By processing critical minerals locally, we can add value and create sustainable economic growth. I urge businesses to support these initiatives and collaborate to realize this vision,” he added.
South Africa Supports Nigeria’s Bid for G20 Membership
In a related development, President Ramaphosa pledged South Africa’s “keen” support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, describing Nigeria as a “valued sister country.” This announcement came during the official launch of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town and ahead of the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting between Nigeria and South Africa.
Ramaphosa reiterated his stance in a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu and during an expanded session with officials from both nations.
Currently, South Africa and the African Union are the continent’s sole representatives in the G20. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of admitting other key African nations to amplify the continent’s voice on the global stage.
“Africa has been the neglected continent for the longest time. With the African Union’s admission to the G20 and South Africa’s longstanding membership, we now have a voice. However, more African nations should join to reflect the continent’s growing economic and demographic significance,” he said.
Africa as the Future of Global Growth
Ramaphosa noted that Africa is poised to be the next major growth story due to its rapidly expanding population and increasing economic influence.
“Our continent’s population is set to grow exponentially, and with it, our global influence. Africa will be a significant player in shaping the future, and this must be recognized by including more African nations in the G20,” he concluded.
The Nigeria-South Africa partnership, particularly in the green energy and critical minerals sectors, is expected to bolster the continent’s push for sustainable development while amplifying Africa’s voice in global decision-making platforms.
