Cyril Ramaphosa Advocates for South Africa-Nigeria Collaboration on Lithium for Green Energy Transition
In a significant move towards bolstering green energy initiatives in Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s eagerness to collaborate with Nigeria in the extraction and utilization of lithium, a critical component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Ramaphosa made these remarks during the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The South African leader highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s extensive lithium reserves as a fundamental element for advancing industrialization in the EV sector, as outlined by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President for Information and Strategy, in a recent statement.
Ramaphosa called on the private sector and development finance institutions to come together to enhance infrastructure and boost manufacturing capabilities in this emerging sector. “There are also significant opportunities for collaboration in pharmaceuticals. Our two nations are strategically positioned to capitalize on the rapid expansion of clean energy manufacturing industries,” he noted.
He emphasized that South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan, which anticipates significant investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the coming years. As part of the global movement towards a low-carbon economy, Ramaphosa urged both countries to utilize their abundant natural resources to promote green industrialization.
“We should harness each other’s strengths in minerals processing. It is crucial that we work together to ensure critical minerals are processed at their source. I encourage businesses to engage actively in these initiatives,” he stated.
Additionally, Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, the group of the world’s major economies. This pledge came at the inauguration of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, shortly before he met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two nations.
Currently, South Africa and the African Union represent the continent within the G20 framework. Ramaphosa argued for the inclusion of more key African nations to amplify Africa’s voice, which he described as historically neglected. “South Africa has emerged as a vocal representative for Africa in the G20, particularly after advocating for the African Union’s membership last year,” he explained.
He affirmed, “We are gaining recognition, and we are poised to be a major growth story in the years to come. Our population is set to increase significantly, positioning the continent as a major player, and we seek that presence to be acknowledged with further inclusion in the G20.”
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