News
South Africa and Nigeria Team Up to Harness Lithium for Green Energy and Economic Growth
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has highlighted the nation’s strong interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness the vast potential of critical minerals, especially lithium.
This effort aims to accelerate the transition to green energy and bolster the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, South Africa, on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that Nigeria’s substantial lithium reserves could serve as a cornerstone for the industrialization of the electric vehicle sector.
The South African president also urged the private sector, as well as development finance institutions, to play a pivotal role in driving forward this initiative.
He called for collaborative efforts to build essential infrastructure and ramp up manufacturing capabilities within the green energy and EV sectors.
Ramaphosa stressed that the potential for cooperation extends beyond energy and automotive industries, particularly into pharmaceuticals, where both nations could capitalize on mutual growth opportunities.
South Africa, which has already developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan, is primed for large-scale investments in renewable energy and green technologies in the coming years.
The country’s ambitious plans reflect its commitment to the global shift toward a low-carbon economy, and Ramaphosa emphasized the need for both countries to leverage their abundant natural resources for green industrialization.
He called on businesses from both nations to actively support these initiatives and work together to ensure that critical minerals like lithium are processed at their source.
President Ramaphosa also took the opportunity to express South Africa’s strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the prestigious G20 group of the world’s major economies.
During the official launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, Ramaphosa pledged that South Africa would “keenly” back Nigeria’s efforts to secure membership in the influential economic bloc.
His support was further reiterated in discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a meeting with officials from both nations at the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Nigeria and South Africa.
The G20, which has long been considered a platform for the world’s leading economies, had previously been represented by South Africa and the African Union alone from the continent.
With the African Union joining the G20 last year, thanks in part to South Africa’s lobbying efforts, Ramaphosa voiced the importance of expanding African representation within the group.
He urged that more key African nations should be included in the G20 to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard, stressing that the continent, often overlooked in global discussions, deserves greater attention and recognition.
Nigerian Politician and Human Rights Activist, Omoyele Sowore shows up to defend and support the NYSC corp member that has been threatened.
It can be recalled that a viral video has made its way to the country. A young lady who is serving the country laments about the government and President.
The viral video also gained the attention of NYSC, resulting to messaging the corp member. The message ordered the removal of the video and for the lady to report the office on 17th of March, 2025.
However fellow Nigerians and activists have spoken out and called to defend the Corp member against any official threat.
It was reported that Sowore arrived to the local government of the corp member to showcase support in handling the case.
Omoyele Sowore and some activists, including lawyers, accompanied Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member known as Raye, to meet with her Local Government Inspector (LGI) after she was summoned over a viral video.
Raye recently gained attention after she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a TikTok video posted under her handle #talktoraye. In the video, she expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation and blamed Tinubu for the country’s struggles, even calling him a “terrible leader.”
Shortly after her comments went viral, Raye claimed that NYSC officials had started threatening her. As a result, she was called to appear at the LGI’s office on Monday for questioning.
On Monday, Sowore, alongside several lawyers, including Festus Ogun, Yinka Oyesomi, and Justice Ojienoh, accompanied Raye to the office to support her. However, according to Sowore, the NYSC officials were nowhere to be found. He shared on his X handle that the LGI failed to show up despite Raye being scheduled to appear.
In a recent development, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced strong support for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye.
Raye recently gained attention after posting a TikTok video expressing her frustrations over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. In the video, she tearfully stated the increasing prices of goods and services, questioning the current administration’s efforts to address these economic challenges.
Following the video’s circulation, Raye alleged that she received threats from NYSC officials, pressuring her to remove the content and cautioning her against making political statements online.
Peter Obi took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to condemn these alleged threats, stating that such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. He emphasized that silencing citizens reflects a corrupt and undemocratic government.
Obi also shared his personal experiences of facing intimidation and harassment for offering constructive criticism of government policies.
Obi called on the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent, underscoring that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.
He urged Nigerians to stand firm and continue advocating for a nation where freedom of speech is upheld, and leadership remains accountable, especially in critical areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
-
Entertainment17 hours agoStandout Celebrity Outfits from the iHeartRadio Awards 2025 Red Carpet
-
Fashion12 hours agoJustin Bieber Rocks $790 Loewe Skate Sneakers at Disneyland
-
Entertainment16 hours ago“I Don’t Like Girls That Talk Too Much” – Joeboy Reveals His Relationship Red Flags
-
Entertainment16 hours agoTina Fey Criticizes Wealthy Celebrities’ Who Have Side Hustles
-
Entertainment16 hours ago“The World Considers A Woman In Her Late 30s old, Which Is Insane” – Lady Gaga
-
Sport12 hours agoPaul Scholes Questions Manchester United’s £2bn Stadium Plan
-
Entertainment11 hours agoKanye West Sparks Drama with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Makes Controversial Comments About Their Children
-
Sport9 hours agoKylian Mbappe Backs Zinedine Zidane to Become Next France Manager