By Stella Azi, Adaora Adibe, Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi
Leading Nigerian manufacturers including Berger Paints, Mouka Foams, RAE Envelopes, Flour Mills Nigeria, Chi Limited etc have thrown their weight behind the upcoming Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 following a strategic engagement tour by the Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso.
The DG’s visit to key stakeholders across the raw materials value chain was part of a nationwide effort to sensitize industry leaders about the maiden edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit, scheduled to host over 72 participating countries. The tour also sought to forge vital partnerships that will ensure the success of the landmark intercontinental event.
According to Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Summit is the first of its kind on the continent and is expected to serve as a catalytic platform for African nations to look inward, harness their abundant natural resources, and drive sustainable industrial development. He emphasized the need for Nigerian players in the raw materials sector to seize the opportunity to connect with counterparts from across Africa.
“This Summit is more than just a gathering, “It is a call for Africa to take ownership of its developmental destiny through innovation, research, and collaboration in the raw materials ecosystem. We have a whole lot of manufacturing problems to deal with. That was why the first thing I did when I assumed office was to meet with the DG Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), he said.
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The consultant in charge of the summit Prof. Bernard Odoh also explained that the event is a unique event that is expected to change the destiny of the African Continent. Stressing that a bill is in progress on insisting that 30%value be added to all raw materials before export.
Industry giants have welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. The Group Managing Director/CEO of Berger Paints, Mrs.Alaba Fagun and the GMD of Mouka Foams, Mr. Femi Fapohunda both commended the Council’s foresight and pledged their participation. They also expressed keen interest in deepening their investment in research and development, seeing the Summit as a valuable avenue for knowledge exchange and strategic alliances.
The GMD of Mouka Foams, Mr Femi stated “We are definitely interested in what you are doing because Mouka engages in research to get alternative for raw materials for production. You are in alignment with us. I am a believer of Nigeria. I love research. We will be part of it “.
Mr Femi went ahead to partner in the summit with the Platinum category, which further expresses deep support for the summit.
On the other hand, Mrs. Alaba Fagun the GMD of Berger paints also pledge to be strongly involved in the summit noting that the issue of developing our local raw materials is very key. She expressed displeasure on the numerous challenges the paint industry face. She noted that her greatest desire is to see these many challenges addressed at the summit.
RAE Envelopes CEO Princess Layo Bakare Okeowo and other stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, praising RMRDC’s leadership and commitment to building a more self-reliant Africa through raw materials innovation.
With over 72 countries already indicating interest, the Africa Raw Materials Summit is poised to become a groundbreaking event that will reshape the continent’s industrial landscape and foster intra-African collaboration like never before.
