Nafisat Abdulrahman
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh has called on Nigerians and Africans to start a new phase of industrialization across the continent by shifting focus from raw material exports to value addition, investment in local factories, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and youth empowerment through practical skills.
He made this call at the opening ceremony of the first Africa Raw Materials Summit organized by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) , which commenced on Tuesday 20th of May, 2025 in Abuja.
The 3- days summit themed “Shaping the Future of Africa’s Resource Landscape” brought together key players from across Africa to plan a new and better way to use the continent’s natural resources for industrial growth.
Describing the summit as more than a dialogue, the Minister said,” it represents a wake-up call for African leaders, businesses, and policymakers to redefine the continent’s resource narrative and ensure that raw materials become the foundation for sustainable development and competitive industry”.
You Might AlsoLike
“Let us invest in African factories, not just African mines. Let us support African SMEs, not just the extractive giants. And let us empower African youth not just with degrees, but with 21st-century skills,” Senator Enoh said.
At the opening of the summit, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Godfrey Nnaji, pointed out that Africa is at a crucial stage. For too long, the continent has exported raw materials with little benefit in return, leading to economic dependence. But things are beginning to shift, he added. There is now a growing push to process our own resources, build local industries, and create jobs a move that’s not just important, but necessary.
“Value addition is no longer an aspiration. It is imperative. It is the bridge between poverty and prosperity” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, the DG/ CEO of the RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso in his remarks emphasized that the gathering was more than a conversation, it is a defining moment in Africa’s journey toward industrial self-reliance. He highlighted the continent’s growing resolve to become a producer of finished goods, not just a supplier of raw materials.
“This summit is our moment, where Africa reclaims its narrative, redefines its destiny, and rededicates itself to transforming raw wealth into real wealth, from the soil beneath our feet through the genius within our people” the DG affirmed
The Africa Raw Materials Summit which brought in experts and stakeholders from Africa, featured expert panels, exhibitions, and high-level policy discussions focused on value chain development, innovation, and industrial competitiveness.
