The PanAfGeo+ South Africa Country Window was officially launched in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, bringing together representatives from government, academia, geological surveys and international partners to strengthen scientific cooperation and support sustainable resource development.
The two-day event marked an important milestone in the growing collaboration between the Council for Geoscience (CGS) and Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO), while reinforcing PanAfGeo+’s role in facilitating long-term partnerships between African and European Geological Surveys.
A milestone for international cooperation
A highlight of the launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council for Geoscience and TNO, establishing a framework for closer collaboration in areas including:
- Critical raw materials
- Geological mapping
- Geodata and digital geoscience
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Scientific knowledge exchange
The agreement was signed in the presence of South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Hon. Samson Gwede Mantashe, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to South Africa, H.E. Joanne Doornewaard, highlighting the strategic importance of international cooperation in addressing future energy and resource challenges.
PanAfGeo+ as a catalyst for partnership
The South Africa Country Window builds on cooperation already established through the PanAfGeo+ programme, one of the European Union’s Global Gateway flagship initiatives supporting geoscientific capacity development across Africa.
Country Windows are designed to respond to national priorities by fostering tailored collaboration between African and European Geological Surveys. Through technical exchanges, institutional cooperation and joint activities, they help strengthen national geoscientific institutions while encouraging lasting partnerships beyond individual training events.
The launch in South Africa demonstrates how PanAfGeo+ continues to create opportunities for knowledge exchange and scientific cooperation that support sustainable development and responsible resource management.
Addressing shared challenges
Throughout the workshop, participants explored topics that are increasingly important for both Africa and Europe, including critical raw materials, sustainable mining, geoscience diplomacy, geological mapping and the role of geoscience in supporting the global energy transition.
Technical presentations highlighted South Africa’s strategic role within global critical mineral value chains, while discussions emphasised the importance of scientific research, innovation and international collaboration in delivering long-term societal benefits.
The programme also included a field visit in the Tzaneen region, allowing participants to examine local geology and natural resources while connecting classroom discussions with practical geological observations.
Investing in future capacity
The event also highlighted the importance of investing in future generations of geoscientists. Discussions included opportunities to strengthen education, skills development and international collaboration, recognising that building scientific capacity remains essential for sustainable resource management and economic development.
Looking ahead
The launch of the South Africa Country Window marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration between the Council for Geoscience, TNO and the wider PanAfGeo+ partnership.
By bringing together expertise from African and European Geological Surveys, the initiative will continue to promote scientific excellence, institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange, contributing to resilient geoscientific institutions and supporting sustainable development across Africa.
