South Africa and the European Union (EU) have committed to strengthening cooperation in the field of critical minerals, with a view to supporting a just energy transition. By investing in the critical mineral value chain and enhancing collaboration in research and innovation, the parties aim to accelerate the uptake of clean energy technologies while supporting industrialization and economic growth in Africa.
A key component in the development of renewable energy solutions, critical minerals have become highly-sought after worldwide. At a forum this week, South Africa and the EU emphasized that collaboration in this industry will further their respective competitiveness, economic security and decarbonization. South Africa is already a major global minerals exporter, but through regulatory cooperation, investment facilitation and partnerships, the parties can accelerate industrialization and technological innovation.
Supporting these goals, the parties agreed to prioritize cooperation in education, research and innovation. Potential collaborations include open science and nuclear medical applications as well as global research programs. These include the Clean Hydrogen Mission, an initiative aimed at increasing the cost-competitiveness of green hydrogen globally, and the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation, a €95.5 billion program to provide funding for research and innovation. Additional collaborations include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the EU’s flagship program for doctoral and postdoctoral training.
