South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has shown interest in working with Nigeria to develop its rich lithium resources.
This plan aims to boost green energy and support the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa said Nigeria’s large lithium deposits could be key to industrial growth in the EV sector. He called on private companies and financial organizations to help build factories and expand production in this area.
“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.
“South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan that anticipates massive investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the next few years,” Ramaphosa stated.
He also stressed the importance of processing these minerals locally, saying, “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.”
President Ramaphosa further expressed South Africa’s strong backing for Nigeria to join the G20, describing Nigeria as a “valued sister country.”
This pledge was made during the official launch of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town, shortly before a meeting with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. At the event, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for more African countries to be included in the G20 to amplify the continent’s voice on global issues.
He stated that South Africa has been the sole African representative in the G20 for years, adding that with the African Union now a member, it is time for other key African nations like Nigeria to join.
He further mentioned that Africa’s population and influence will grow significantly in the years to come, as there is need for such growth to be recognized globally.
