Nigeria is set to host the First Africa Raw Materials Summit (FRMS-25) from May 20th to 22nd, 2025, in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the continent’s resource potential. The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, announced the event during a press briefing, stating that the summit will serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and Investors to discuss sustainable strategies for Africa’s raw materials sector.
With the theme “Shaping the Future of Africa’s Resource Landscape”, the summit will highlight Investment opportunities, economic diversification, and industrial growth. According to Ike-Muonso, the event is expected to draw over 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond. He also disclosed that invitations have been sent to 72 countries, with expectations of global participation, including the presence of World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Additionally, the Nigerian government is set to unveil a 10-year roadmap for the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
Summit will redefine Africa’s resource management.
A key focus of the summit will be leveraging Africa’s vast resource wealth to drive economic transformation. Discussions will centre on regional collaboration, sustainable extraction, and industrialisation to strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the global market. The RMRDC also aims to introduce data-driven decision-making through the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS), a tool designed to enhance resource planning and policy formulation. Ike-Muonso highlighted that the initiative is expected to create three million jobs in Nigeria within four years by developing local industries and reducing dependence on raw material exports.
Moreover, the director-general urged corporate entities, research institutions, and policymakers to take part in the event, emphasisng that it represents a collective effort to redefine Africa’s resource management strategies. Registration for the summit is now open, with early bird rates available until March 30, 2025, through the official summit website. Ike-Muonso described the summit as a critical step toward securing Africa’s place in the global industrial ecosystem, calling on stakeholders to seize the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s economic growth.
Investment in Africa’s resource sector Will drive growth.
Beyond fostering economic growth, the summit is expected to drive technological advancements in raw materials processing and industrial development. Experts will discuss innovative extraction techniques, value-addition processes, and sustainable resource utilisation, ensuring that Africa moves beyond being a primary exporter of raw materials to becoming a global player in Manufacturing and industrial production. By investing in research and technology, countries can enhance their competitiveness, reduce import dependency, and create new industries that generate employment and revenue.
Furthermore, the participation of international stakeholders also presents an opportunity for Africa to establish stronger trade partnerships and attract foreign investment into its resource sector. With global demand for raw materials on the rise, African countries can negotiate better trade deals, develop local supply chains, and position themselves as major contributors to the global economy. Strengthening intra-African trade will also be a priority, as regional collaboration can facilitate knowledge-sharing, Infrastructure development, and collective bargaining power in global markets.
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Ultimately, the success of the summit will depend on how well the discussions translate into actionable policies and long-term commitments. While high-level conferences often generate ambitious proposals, sustained implementation efforts will be crucial in achieving tangible results. Governments must prioritise policy reforms that support local industries, ensure responsible resource management, and promote inclusive economic growth. If effectively executed, the outcomes of FRMS-25 could mark a turning point in Africa’s industrial trajectory, paving the way for a more self-sufficient and globally competitive continent.