By Stella Azi , Adaora Adibe
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is gearing up to the Maiden Edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025! A prestigious gathering that will bring together experts from over 72 countries across Africa and other parts of the world, to chat a new course for the future of Africa.
The summit, scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, FCT, aims to address critical challenges facing the continent’s raw materials industries with special focus on raw materials value addition, economic diversification, industrial growth strategies, investment opportunities, and sustainable regional collaboration to enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market.
The Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, highlighted during an industrial visit to Chi Limited Company, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, on March 20, 2025, to solicit collaboration for the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025, that Africa is indeed blessed with abundant raw materials resources, but the challenge lies in its ability to harness these raw materials potentials for the benefit of the continent and its people.
According to the DG, “Africa is rich in natural resources; both minerals and agricultural resources, however, the continent has struggled to capitalize on these resources, with many countries exporting without adding value to them. This has resulted in limited economic benefits and a lack of industrial development, which should not be allowed to continue”.
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Prof. Ike-Muonso noted that to address these challenges, the RMRDC is organizing the first of its kind; the Africa Raw Materials Summit in Abuja, which aims to bring together critical stakeholders across the globe, to interact and share ideas, to chart a new course for the development of Africa’s raw materials sector.
He further noted that for the RMRDC project, which will focus on themes such as; value addition, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth, to be a success, all hands must be on deck, he is therefore calling on key stakeholders to get involved and make the upcoming Summit worthwhile.
Earlier in his remark during the visit, the Project Consultant and Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Summit Professor Bernard Odoh, during the visit enumerated that the historic event aims to bring together over 1,000 experts from 72 countries to discuss strategies for harnessing Africa’s raw materials for economic growth and development. He said it is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to share ideas, build partnerships, establish mutually beneficial working relationships, and develop actionable solutions for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s raw materials sector.
“By participating in the summit, stakeholders can contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s resource landscape and help drive economic transformation”.
“The RMRDC is urging all relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, corporate entities, research institutions, and the media, to join forces and make this event a success”, he said.
The Director Public Affairs and Communication, Zainab Balogun and Director Procurement, who represented Management of the Chivita Foods Limited, were visibly delighted at the visit and the invitation to be part of the laudable project to see Africa looking onward to harness its abundant resources.
She said this will surely impact Africa, Nigeria and mostly the industrial sector in Nigeria, adding that Chi company appreciates the invitation to partnership in the Summit.
The Project Consultant, Prof. Odoh concluded that it is great to have Chi company as partner in the summit. “With the participation of key stakeholders like Chi company, the summit is poised to make a significant impact on the industrial sector in Nigeria and beyond”.
