By Joy Odor
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake on Tuesday informed that the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2025 is set to take place from July 15 to 17 at the State House in Abuja, Nigeria.
Represented by the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Obadiah Nkom, the Minister opined that the Summit theme is, “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” which highlights Africa’s shift from raw exports to local value addition, promoting sustainable development through local content and pioneering initiatives like the “Africans for Africa” Fund.
He mentioned that Africa’s abundant minerals, gas, agricultural produce, and renewable energy potential will be leveraged to create factories, refineries, and power plants across the continent, generating jobs and tax revenues.
The Minister noted that the Summit emphasizes local beneficiation, ensuring that every ton of ore mined catalyzes downstream industries and technological know-how in local communities.
Alake maintained that the initiative aimed to mobilize African capital for African industrial ambitions, with the fund expected to provide microcredit facilities to mining operators.
“Discussions will focus on harnessing renewable resources and gas to create clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for African communities.
“The Summit prioritizes skills transfer, local empowerment, and institutional resilience to enable African actors to lead development processes.
“There would be a closed-door retreat for ministers, CEOs to forge trust and shared vision and platform to translate declarations into concrete investment memoranda.
“Experts will discuss ESG criteria, critical minerals, and agro-mining integration to drill down into project feasibility and execution.
“Local content requirements in mining procurement have increased domestic manufacturing output by over 20% in just two years.
“The lithium industrialization plan, centered around a state-backed refinery co-owned with private investors, is moving from concept to pilot phase.
“The success of AFNIS 2025 will be measured by the deals signed, ventures launched, and tangible improvements in people’s lives, marking a significant step towards Africa’s resource revolution and sustainable development” Alake opined.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, affirmed that the Summit would 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 Dr. Vivian Okono, Director, Mines Environmental Compliance in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Yabo ascertained that Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative era.
He noted that the Summit will serve as a bold step towards unlocking Africa’s true potential in driving sustainable investment, industrial innovation and regional integration.
“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.
