African leaders, ministers, and industry officials have called for a radical shift in the continent’s mining sector, urging countries to prioritise local exploration, processing, and value addition during the African Mining Week 2025 held in Cape Town.
The discussions, organised by the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), focused on strengthening African-led resource development and reducing dependence on foreign companies and capital.
The gathering brought together policymakers and experts determined to build a continental approach to critical minerals — from exploration to processing — that maximises economic benefit for Africa.
AMSG Secretary General Moses Micheal Engadu said the meeting was “not symbolic, but an opportunity to address real challenges.”
He emphasised the need for “structural solutions based on diplomacy, the mobilisation of African capital, and the protection of the continent’s digital sovereignty.”
Engadu also highlighted the crucial role of sovereign wealth funds, national mining companies, and pension funds in bridging Africa’s financing gap, calling for a continental strategy on critical minerals. “Such an approach would enable Africa to better defend and promote its interests,” he said.
Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to closer cooperation among African countries to “develop a common strategy for local development” while boosting youth employment and strengthening national participation in the mining sector.
Congolese Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba underlined the need for new investment partnerships and greenfield projects to accelerate exploration. “Our priority is to adopt policies that attract exploration funding and support our geologists. No one knows a country’s geology better than its own people,” he said.
Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Yusuf Farouk Yabo, stressed the importance of mapping mineral resources before exploitation and ensuring only licensed companies operate. He also urged African nations to ban the export of unprocessed minerals to retain more value within the continent.
Lamin Camara, Permanent Secretary at Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, said the AMSG offered a vital platform for “cooperation and experience sharing.” He added, “We want to draw inspiration from Nigeria’s example to develop our exploration capabilities.”
The AMSG reiterated its commitment to coordinating efforts among governments, mining institutions, and private stakeholders to build a unified strategy for sustainable and beneficial mineral exploitation.
The ultimate goal, leaders said, is to transform Africa from a raw material exporter into a value-added powerhouse that drives industrialisation, job creation, and economic sovereignty.
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