African mining ministers and chief executives of mining companies have pledged to strengthen mineral testing infrastructure across the continent, alongside plans for joint industrial corridors and shared processing facilities.
The commitments were outlined in a communiqué released after the fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), held from 15 to 17 July under the theme Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development.
The statement, issued by Mrs Kania Andeyaba, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, detailed the resolutions on Tuesday in Abuja.
Participants endorsed the adaptation of Nigeria’s local content framework across Africa and supported the creation of a pan-African financing mechanism to advance mineral beneficiation.
They also agreed to operationalise the working groups of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), launched by African mining ministers in 2024, with a clear roadmap to promote cooperation on sustainable development of critical minerals.
The communiqué stressed the priority of building robust value chains by processing minerals on African soil, strengthening local content and value addition. AFNIS 2025 was described as a key forum for African governments and the private sector to affirm their commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and value-driven development of natural resources and energy sectors, ensuring the continent’s wealth benefits its people.
A significant focus was placed on mobilising domestic capital, with the unveiling of the Africans for Africa fund to finance high-potential projects and strengthen African ownership in competition with foreign exploration companies.
Further resolutions included strategies to leverage local resources, including renewables, minerals and human capital, to accelerate growth in the green economy. Discussions also addressed scaling up renewable energy adoption, bridging energy access gaps, and promoting innovative partnerships and investments across the renewable energy value chain.
The summit acknowledged the transformative impact of technology and data in resource exploration and management and debated regional energy integration projects and transparent electricity trading markets.
Participants also examined the complex relationship between mining and agriculture, stressing responsible exploration, comprehensive reclamation plans, integrated policies, and community involvement to ensure sustainable land use and minimise conflicts.
The gathering reaffirmed the importance of economic diplomacy and strengthening international partnerships to drive sustainable development across Africa’s natural resources and energy sectors.
