Cape Town, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced South Africa’s interest in partnering with Nigeria to harness its lithium reserves, a critical mineral for electric vehicle (EV) battery production. This collaboration aims to accelerate the green energy transition and boost clean energy manufacturing on the continent.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s vast lithium resources for industrialisation in the EV sector. He called on the private sector and financial institutions to support infrastructure development and manufacturing expansion.
“Our two countries are strategically positioned to benefit from the rapid growth of clean energy manufacturing industries,” Ramaphosa stated. “We must leverage the abundant natural resources in our countries to promote green industrialisation. Businesses must support and engage in these initiatives.”
President Ramaphosa also underscored the need for collaboration in pharmaceutical production and other sectors tied to renewable energy. He said South Africa’s Just Transition Framework and Investment Plan anticipate substantial investments in renewable energy and the green economy in the coming years.
In a show of solidarity, Ramaphosa pledged South Africa’s strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, referring to Nigeria as “a valued sister country.” He made this promise during the official launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, shortly before co-chairing the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Currently, South Africa and the African Union are the only African voices in the G20. Ramaphosa stressed the need for greater representation from the continent, describing Africa as poised to become “the biggest growth story in years to come.”
“Our population is going to grow by leaps and bounds,” he said. “As a continent, we will be a significant force, and we want that recognition reflected in the inclusion of more African countries in the G20.”
The discussions at the BNC emphasized deeper collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa in trade, green industrialisation, and global policy advocacy.
The partnership mark a significant step toward strengthening Africa’s position in the global clean energy transition and amplifying its voice on the world stage.
