By Stella Azi
The Honourable Minister, Ministry of Environment, Innovation, Science and Technology (MEIST), Ghana Hon. Ibrahim Mutala Mohammed, has pointed out that good governance and accountability is the part to economic sustainability in Africa, as it can unlock the potentials of Africa’s rich resources. The Honourable Minister disclosed this during the Africa Raw Materials Summit held between 20th to 22nd May, 2025, at Abuja Continental Hotel, Nigeria.
Speaking on the 3rd day of the Summit, an event which brought together leaders of thought, policymakers, industrialists, diplomats and stakeholders in national development, to cart a way forward for the good of the continent, the Minister stated that Africa, for far too long has been grappling with economic uncertainties and developmental challenges, despite its rich natural raw materials resource endowment, therefore, the need for effective governance.
According to him, good governance encompasses participation, transparency, accountability, rule of law, and responsiveness. These principles are crucial for fostering an environment where economic activities can thrive, particularly in a continent with abundant raw materials like Africa.
The Hon. Mohammed also pointed out that lack of adequate attention to research and development (R&D) is another major challenge bedeviling the Continent; what African leaders on the average commit to the sector is very minimal, they need to do more. He noted that a society that does not engage in research cannot birth innovation, which is crucial for development.
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The Minister charged Africa leaders to chat a collaborative future by demonstrating true tenets of democracy, involving the people in making decisions on matters that concerns them. “In good governance, you do not plan for the people, you plan with the people “ he cited, noting that the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation for Africa.
He elucidated that one huge resource of Nigeria is its population. “Nigeria alone takes almost one third, if not half the population within the Africa sub-region. Some countries have demonstrated how the utilization of youth population has improved the living conditions of their people, reducing poverty. China is a classical example. India is another example. So we have a natural resource that we haven’t been able to utilize. That is the numbers”, and called on Nigeria leaders to take advantage of the population size to better the nation and Africa.
Emphasizing on the theme of the Summit, Shaping the Future of Africa’s Resource Landscape, the host, and Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso reaffirmed that the convergence is not just a dialogue; it is Africa’s proclamation of industrial independence, a renewed consciousness of authentically becoming producers of value rather than exporters of potential.
He state that as Africa continues to navigate its development journey, the principles discussed at this summit provide a roadmap to harness its vast resources responsibly and sustainably; the continent has the potential to transform its values into engines of growth and prosperity, benefiting generations to come. Adding that the Summit stands as a testimony to the collaborative spirit needed to propel Africa toward a sustainable, economically secure future.
