In Cape Town, President Ramaphosa called for stronger ties with Nigeria to harness its lithium reserves, boosting Africa’s green energy and EV (electric vehicle) industries.

He urged collaboration to process critical minerals and drive industrialisation across the continent.

In Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa shared his vision for collaboration with Nigeria, focusing on leveraging critical minerals like lithium to drive the green energy transition.

Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable, he highlighted the potential of these minerals to support electric vehicle (EV) battery development and clean energy manufacturing.

‘A Valued Sister’

Furthermore, Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s Just Transition Framework and Investment Plan, which anticipates significant investments in renewable energy.

He urged the private sector and development finance institutions to collaborate in building infrastructure and scaling up manufacturing in the EV sector.

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“We must work together to ensure critical minerals are beneficiated at source,” he stressed.

In addition, Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, describing Nigeria as a “valued sister”.

At the launch of South Africa’s G20 presidency, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for the world to hear Africa’s voice.

While South Africa had long represented the continent in the G20, he urged the inclusion of more African nations to raise Africa’s profile.

Finally, Ramaphosa declared: “We will be the biggest growth story in the years to come,” highlighting Africa’s potential for rapid population growth and economic development.

He called for the world to recognise Africa’s role in shaping the global economy, both through its resources and its promise.