By Adaora Adibe
In a groundbreaking move to foster industrial growth and economic transformation across Africa and beyond, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has announced plans to host the first-ever Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025. The event is scheduled to take place from 20th to 22nd May 2025, at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
This was announced by the Director General of RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso during a press conference held at the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja. The DG stated that the event is designed to bring together researchers, policymakers, investors, industrial leaders, and key stakeholders across Africa and beyond to explore innovative ideas, foster strategic partnerships, and develop actionable solutions for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s raw materials sector.
“The Summit’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Africa’s Resource Landscape,” highlights our collective vision to leverage Africa’s vast natural resource wealth for sustainable industrialization, economic diversification, and global competitiveness”, the DG stated.
According to Prof. Nnanyelugo, “Africa possesses a significant share of the world’s raw materials, yet we struggle with value addition, industrial transformation, and sustainable development”.
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He observed that the summit aims to address critical challenges by focusing on the following:
✓Economic diversification and industrial growth strategies.
✓Investment opportunities in raw materials processing and infrastructure.
✓Sustainable extraction and value-addition techniques.
✓Regional collaboration to enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market.
✓Data-driven decision-making through the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS).
✓Policy formulation and governance to foster responsible resource management.
He emphasized that the summit will bring together over 1,000 participants, including government officials, policymakers, industry players, investors, and researchers.
The DG encouraged the active participation of key stakeholders across all sectors to ensure a comprehensive raw materials development, including the media, which is saddled with the responsibility of creating awareness of this very important event.
Prof. Ike-Muonso urged relevant stakeholders to register and participate as the portal is now open, stating that early bird rates apply until March 30, 2025. Interested participants can register via our official website:
http://africanrawmaterialsummit.rmrdc.gov.ng
Earlier the Director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Chukwuma Ngaha in his opening remarks welcomed Members of the Press to the Council. He said the Council is all geared up for the Africa Raw Materials 2025 Summit. He urged the media to get ready to be inspired by the big revolution the Council is bringing.
The event is expected to feature panel discussions, exhibitions, investment forums, policy dialogues, Workshops on Value Addition & Capacity Development for strengthening Africa’s raw materials industry, Networking Mixers & Investor Matchmaking Sessions to connect stakeholders with funding opportunities etc
