South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger collaboration with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, especially lithium, to drive the green energy transition and accelerate the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted Nigeria’s rich lithium reserves as pivotal for advancing industrialisation and EV battery production.
He urged private sector players and development finance institutions to invest in infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities to support the booming EV sector. Ramaphosa also emphasized the potential for joint ventures in mineral processing and green industrialisation, leveraging the strengths of both nations.
“At the heart of the global shift to a low-carbon economy lies the need to harness and beneficiate critical minerals at their source. We must work together to ensure these resources drive sustainable development,” Ramaphosa said.
Additionally, Ramaphosa pledged South Africa’s full support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, describing the country as a “valued sister nation.” During the launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, he advocated for broader African representation in the global economic forum, citing the continent’s historical marginalisation.
The Nigeria-South Africa partnership is set to strengthen ties in clean energy, minerals processing, and global economic representation, marking a significant step forward for both nations.
