The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting industrialisation and sustainable development across Africa by harnessing local content through the fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS).
The summit, themed “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” is scheduled to hold at the State House in Abuja from July 15 to 17, 2025.
Speaking at a pre-event press conference on Tuesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake said the summit is designed to spotlight how Africa, which holds over 30 per cent of the world’s solid mineral resources, can begin to process these resources locally to achieve long-term growth.
Represented by the director-general of the Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom, the minister stated that this year’s theme reflects Africa’s resolve to move beyond rhetoric and take bold steps toward transforming its mineral wealth through local production and value addition.
Alake, who also chairs the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, emphasised that Africa’s critical mineral deposits position it as a central player in the global energy transition and green economy.
“Our theme this year challenges Africa to rethink its current model. We can no longer afford to export raw materials and watch others reap the rewards. It’s time to build factories, refine minerals, generate energy, and create jobs – right here on African soil,” he said.
He added that conversations at the summit will explore how African nations can convert raw resources into value-added products such as batteries, solar panels, fertilisers and industrial metals, as part of a wider effort to shift from extraction to beneficiation.
“On energy transition, we’ll discuss how Africa can leverage its renewable resources and gas reserves to develop clean, reliable, and affordable energy systems tailored to the continent’s needs,” the minister noted.
He added that cross-sector integration will also be a key theme, exploring synergies between mining, agriculture, petrochemicals and energy sectors to drive holistic economic growth.
“On the policy front, we’ll be looking at how to develop legal frameworks, incentives and investment models that attract real capital, not just speculative interest,” Alake stated.
According to the minister, this year’s summit will build on the gains of the 2024 edition, particularly the “Africans for Africa Initiative,” which seeks to channel African resources toward African development goals.
A major highlight of the 2025 summit will be the formal launch of the Africans for Africa Fund, which aims to provide microcredit to small and medium-scale mining operators and support innovation across the sector.
“This is not just a catchphrase; it’s a fundamental shift in mindset. We are saying clearly that the time has come for Africans to invest in Africa, using our capital to back our industries, technologies and infrastructure,” the Minister said.
He added that the summit also presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to showcase the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, particularly reforms in the solid minerals sector, local mineral processing and community development agreements.
Nigeria, he said, is also advancing transparency and attracting responsible investors through a new mineral data platform and regulatory improvements that ensure mining benefits local communities and stakeholders alike.
Describing AFNIS as a landmark event, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Engr. Faruk Yabo said the 2025 edition would convene visionaries, industry leaders, investors and policymakers from across the globe to shape the continent’s natural resource and energy future.
Represented by the ministry’s director of mines environmental compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, he said, “Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative era. With our vast resource endowment, abundant renewable potential, and growing drive for sustainable development, we are poised to lead the global shift toward cleaner, more inclusive and more resilient energy systems.”
He stressed that the summit is more than a conference; it is a bold step toward unlocking Africa’s full potential through sustainable investment, industrial innovation, and regional integration.
“Together, we can chart a course that prioritises not just economic growth, but also environmental stewardship, expanded energy access and long-term prosperity for all Africans,” he said.
A statement by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Kania Maliki Andeyaba revealed that key features of the 2025 summit will include a ministerial and CEO retreat, a strategic partnership summit and a technical and investment forum.
AFNIS 2025 is expected to catalyse bold commitments toward advancing Africa’s industrial capacity and economic independence through local content strategies, regional financing mechanisms and innovation-driven partnerships.
