South Africa seeks Nigeria’s lithium for electric vehicle revolution

December 4, 2024 1:19 pm

Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa participate at the Nigeria-South Africa business roundtable in Cape Town

South Africa is interested in collaborating with Nigeria to harness critical minerals like lithium for green energy and electric vehicles (EV) batteries.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed this on Tuesday in Cape Town at a business roundtable, according to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu is in South Africa for the 11th session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC).

“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,” Ramaphosa said.

“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.

“As part of the broader global transition to a low-carbon economy, we must leverage the abundant natural resources that exist in our countries to promote green industrialisation.

“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.”

Ramaphosa said South Africa will “keenly” support Nigeria, a “valued sister country”, in its bid to join the G20 club of the world’s major economies.

The South African president emphasised the need for global cooperation to address pressing economic and financial challenges.

He said other key African countries should be admitted to the G20, adding that South Africa was previously the lone African voice before the African Union joined.

“We have a voice, we have a presence, and we will be the biggest growth story in years to come,” Ramaphosa said.

“Our population is going to grow by leaps and bounds, and therefore, as a continent, we are going to be a big noise, and we want that big noise to be recognised in the form of countries that will be part of the G20 right now.”