By Adaora Adibe
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has commenced stakeholder engagement ahead of the Africa Raw Materials Summit, led by the Director General, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso. The RMRDC delegation visited Lagos to meet with key players in the manufacturing sector and raise awareness about the significance of the upcoming summit taking place on the 20th to 22nd May 2025.
The DG emphasized that major government organizations are also involved to ensure the success of the event such as the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investments, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology etc.
The summit consultant and chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Prof. Benard Odoh, emphasized the strategic importance of the summit for the continent. “This summit is a golden opportunity for industry stakeholders to shape policies, form partnerships, and drive the growth of Africa’s raw materials sector,” Prof. Odoh stated.
He explained that over 70 countries are warming up to attend the summit which is a huge opportunity for companies to meet with strategic partners and build strong capacity. He urged stakeholders to seize the moment and actively participate.
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During the sensitization tour, the team visited prominent industrial firms including Landcraft Industries Limited, Sunflag Group, Top Steel Nigeria, and MATACO Group—each a vital contributor in sectors ranging from steel production to footwear manufacturing. The visits aimed to foster collaboration and underscore the summit’s goal of promoting local raw material sourcing and value addition to the abundant resources we have.
The General Manager, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Femi Gbadegun who also was part of the team, informed all industry players to leverage on the rare opportunity to participate in the summit because of its numerous advantages.
Stakeholders expressed enthusiasm for the summit, pledging their support and participation. However, they also called on RMRDC to advocate for government policies that are more favorable to local manufacturers, particularly in areas like tariff, infrastructure, and import substitution etc.
RMRDC encouraged stakeholders not only to attend but to sponsor the event, which will qualify them for exhibit, and speaking slots as the case maybe at the summit. These opportunities, they said, would give organizations visibility and influence in discussions that will shape the future of Africa’s industrial landscape.
The Africa Raw Materials Summit is expected to convene industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from across the continent to forge actionable strategies for harnessing Africa’s vast raw material potential.
