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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed interest in collaborating with Nigeria to tap into its significant lithium reserves, a vital resource for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs).
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town on Tuesday, Ramaphosa highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s lithium deposits to drive industrial growth and support the global transition to clean energy. The event was attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, with details shared by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Ramaphosa called for joint efforts between the private sector and financial institutions to build infrastructure and enhance manufacturing capabilities in the electric vehicle industry.
He emphasized, “Our nations are strategically positioned to benefit from the rapid expansion of clean energy industries. Leveraging each other’s resources and expertise, particularly in mineral processing, can significantly promote green industrialization.”
The South African leader outlined his country’s Just Transition Framework and Investment Plan, which forecast substantial investments in renewable energy and the green economy in the coming years. He also encouraged businesses to actively participate in initiatives that support the green energy revolution.
Backing Nigeria’s Bid for G20 Membership
During the roundtable and at the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting between the two nations, Ramaphosa voiced strong support for Nigeria’s aspiration to join the G20, describing the country as a “valued sister nation.” He assured President Tinubu of South Africa’s backing, stressing the importance of amplifying Africa’s voice in global affairs.
Currently, South Africa and the African Union are the only African representatives in the G20. Ramaphosa argued for the inclusion of more African countries, saying, “Africa is set to be the biggest growth story in the coming years. Our continent’s population is expanding rapidly, and we must ensure that our presence and influence in global economic discussions grow correspondingly.”
He also noted South Africa’s role in lobbying for the African Union’s G20 membership in 2023 and called for continued efforts to strengthen Africa’s representation on the global stage.
“Our vision is for Africa to be a recognized force, and we believe countries like Nigeria deserve a seat at the table,” Ramaphosa concluded.
