- Nigeria and South Africa agreed to deepen energy cooperation through joint investments, technology sharing, and regional trade.
- Minister Lokpobiri urged Africa to boost local capacity and retain energy wealth within the continent.
- Both countries pledged to create working groups to build sustainable, African-led energy solutions.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, urged African countries to focus on local solutions for energy development. He made this call during a meeting with South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Hon. Gwede Mantashe.
South Africa’s delegation visited Nigeria to strengthen energy partnerships. Both countries aim to boost trade, share knowledge, and create joint strategies to address Africa’s power shortages.
Lokpobiri emphasised the need to increase local production and retain energy resources within the continent. He said African countries must rely more on local expertise and less on foreign input.
“Africa must find its path. We must build local capacity and use African talent to solve African energy problems,” he said.
The visit comes as Nigeria continues to expand its oil and gas sector. Lokpobiri noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has accelerated progress.
“Nigeria is entering a new era. Our indigenous companies now take over oil assets from foreign firms exiting the market,” he said.
Mantashe praised Nigeria’s achievements in the energy sector. He said South Africa wants to learn from Nigeria’s progress and build a strong, equal partnership.
“We came to Nigeria to learn and to collaborate. Our goal is to grow together and improve energy access across Africa,” Mantashe said.
Both ministers discussed growing local capacity, increasing regional energy trade, and promoting technology sharing. They agreed that African countries must work together to overcome energy poverty.
Lokpobiri welcomed the chance to exchange ideas with South Africa. He said both nations can grow stronger by learning from each other.
“As we engage with South Africa, we share insights that help improve energy systems in both countries,” Lokpobiri said.
Mantashe supported that view and called for unity in Africa’s energy drive. “We must work together to provide reliable and affordable energy for our people,” he said.
Both countries agreed to create working groups to drive joint investment, share technology, and develop regional energy links. These teams will focus on practical steps to grow the sector.
The ministers also urged African governments to support local businesses and stop capital flight. They called for policies that keep energy wealth in African hands.
This meeting marks a strong push for African-led energy growth. Nigeria and South Africa want to take control of their energy future.
Lokpobiri called for long-term vision. “We must build sustainable systems that benefit Africa for generations,” he said.
Mantashe echoed this. “Now is the time for Africans to lead Africa’s energy journey,” he said.
Both leaders see this renewed partnership as a model for the rest of the continent. They plan to continue working closely to create a united and self-reliant African energy sector.