Latest news with #Bi-NationalCommission
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
President Ramaphosa to undertake Working Visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho
President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 April 2025, undertake a Working Visit to Maseru, Lesotho, to Co-Chair the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, with His Excellency Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho. This South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) follows the Inaugural Session which was held in September 2023 in Pretoria. The elevation of bilateral cooperation to a BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of the solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries are founded. Further, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries' resolve that cooperation in various sectors should benefit all. South Africa will use the upcoming session of the BNC to promote greater solidarity among countries of the region and the South in the light of geopolitical shifts. South Africa will also underscore the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and highlight a need to expedite the speedy implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into consideration the agreed timelines and allocated budget. Many South African companies have made significant investments in Lesotho, which have created thousands of jobs. The Bi-National Commission is expected also to reflect on the movement of people between the two states. This week's engagement between the two countries will, among other discussions, focus on: Fostering stronger political and bilateral relations between the two countries; Deepening economic cooperation; Reviewing implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural session of the BNC and identifying new priority areas; and Exchanging views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern. The BNC will be preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and the Council of Ministers Meeting scheduled for 22 April 2025. President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by 15 Ministers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria, South Africa sign pact on mining development
In bid to solidify the partnership fostered through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Ministers of Solid Minerals of both nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining key areas of cooperation, complete with implementation timelines. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, stated that during a bilateral meeting at his office in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake hosted South Africa's Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe. Dr. Alake described the engagement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations, especially in the vital mining sector. Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, Alake noted the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa's development. He stressed that collaboration in the mining sector offers vast opportunities for industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth across the continent. 'The Memorandum of Understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today,' Alake stated, 'will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition.' Key Highlights of the MoU Include: Capacity building in geological applications using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Utilization of Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing Technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping, Sharing of geoscientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Training on mineral processing and value addition, Capacity Building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS, Exploration of Agro and Energy Minerals In Nigeria Alake emphasized Nigeria's renewed focus on developing its mining industry, stating that South Africa could benefit from Nigeria's vast mineral wealth, while Nigeria could tap into South Africa's advanced mining expertise. This synergy, he said, would open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification. In his remarks, Gwede Mantashe affirmed that South Africa—where mining plays a central role in the economy—stands to gain from Nigeria's revitalized interest in the sector. He added that his visit aimed to fine-tune agreements from the Bi-National Commission and to deepen collaboration on mutually beneficial projects with Nigeria's Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU. They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries. The MoU signing was attended by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; alongside senior officials from both Solid Minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by Gwede Mantashe. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
