The Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has disclosed its aim to promote local industrialisation in Africa by leveraging local content through the forthcoming fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS).
The summit slated for State House, Abuja from 15th to 17th of July, 2025, is themed ‘Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development’
Speaking at the pre-event press conference on Tuesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said that the summit aims to highlight how Africa, which holds 30 per cent of the world’s solid mineral resources, can harness them to advance sustainable development.
Represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Mr Obadiah Nkom, the Minister noted that the theme signals Africa’s resolve to move beyond rhetoric and begin transforming its mineral wealth through local production and value addition.
Dr. Alake, who is also the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, harped on the importance of driving the conversation as Africa holds the critical minerals needed for global energy transition.
The Minister said “Our theme this year encourages a serious rethink about how Africa can shift away from exporting raw materials and instead build factories, refine minerals, generate power locally, and create jobs at home.
“This summit is about building value, where the resources come from,” he said.
According to him, discussions at the summit would focus on how Africa can convert its vast raw materials into value-added products like batteries, solar equipment, fertilisers, and industrial metals.
“On energy transition, we will discuss on how to take advantage of our renewables and gas to create energy solutions that actually work for African communities’ solutions that are clean, reliable, and affordable.
“On cross-sector integration, we will explore how mining and agriculture, petrochemicals and energy, can be coordinated in a way that makes sense for long-term growth.
“Also, on policy and financing, we will talk about crafting laws, incentives, and investment models that attract real capital, not speculative interest,” Dr. Alake stated.
The summit, he assured, would build on the achievements of the 2024 summit, especially the ‘Africans for Africa Initiative’ which was unveiled to drive local development within the region.
With the development of the strategy, the Minister said the Africans for Africa Fund would be unveiled at the 2025 summit.
Through this, he said, it is expected to provide microcredit facilities to mining operators.
“One of the major highlights of this year will be the formal launch of the ‘Africans for Africa Fund’; a bold initiative designed to mobilise African capital for African priorities.
“This isn’t a slogan. It’s a shift in mindset and we are saying clearly that the time has come for Africans to invest in Africa, to back our industries, our innovations, and our infrastructure with the resources we already have,” the Minister stated.
He also said that the summit would offer the atmosphere for Nigeria, as the host, to showcase Nigeria’s progress under the President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister said it will particularly highlight updates on reforms in the solid minerals sector generally.
According to him, the summit will also showcase Nigeria’s local processing initiatives, renewed commitment to community development agreements, and the rollout of its mineral data platform.
The Minister assured that Nigeria is taking new measures to attract responsible investment and will take steps to make mining benefit all stakeholders.
Describing the summit as a landmark event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, said that it will bring together visionaries, policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across the globe to shape the future of Africa’s natural resources and energy landscape.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Vivian Okono, the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance said “Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative era. With its vast reserves of natural resources, abundant renewable energy potential, and a growing appetite for sustainable development, the continent is uniquely positioned to lead the global transition towards cleaner, more inclusive and more resilient energy systems.”
He stressed that the summit is not a mere gathering, but a bold step towards unlocking Africa’s true potential in driving sustainable investment, industrial innovation and regional integration.
“Together we can chart a part that prioritizes not only economic growth but also environmental stewardship, energy access and long term prosperity for all Africans” he stated
Among the expectations of the 2025 summit are Ministerial and Chief Executive Officers Retreat, Strategic Partnership Summit, Technical and Investment Forum.
Signed
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
Head (Press and Public Relations Department)
2/7/2025
