Nigeria and Brazil have set a new benchmark for South South cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), with space technology and applications taking center stage as engines of growth, sustainability, and security.
In a statement, Director, Media and Corporate Communications,Dr Felix Ale said the signing ceremony, which took place in Brasília, Brazil, was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of Nigeria and his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The MoU was signed by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uchenna Geoffrey Nnaji and Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
During the event, government leaders and industry experts underscored the strategic role of space technology in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, disaster management, and digital transformation.
Chief Uche Nnaji described the MoU as a statement of shared vision, stressing that space technology offers Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.
He emphasized that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is committed to building ecosystems of innovation, leveraging satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.
In her remarks, Minister Luciana Santos highlighted Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bioeconomy applications, affirming that collaboration with Nigeria would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also deliver solutions with planetary relevance.
Both Nigeria and Brazil Presidents hailed the MoU as a milestone in South South collaboration, with President Tinubu noting that space technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva described the partnership as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South
The agreement is expected to pave the way for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Artificial intelligence applications will be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and Nigeria, Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems will strengthen resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.
Stakeholders believe this cooperation will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a new era in Nigeria Brazil relations, demonstrating that space science and technology are not just about exploration, but about building economies, empowering people, enhancing security, and safeguarding the planet.
