The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is gearing up tforthe Maiden Edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025
A gathering set to bring together experts from over 72 countries across Africa and other parts of the world, to chart a new course for the future of Africa, a statement by the agency revealed
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 a 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.
Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, director general, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), during a visit to Chi Limited Company, Lagos to solicit collaboration for the summit said 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”.
Ike-Muonso said to address this challenges, the RMRDC is organizing the first of its kind; the Africa Raw Materials Summit scheduled to hold in May 20-22, 2025, 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 remarks, Project Consultant and chairman local organizing committee of the summit, Bernard Odoh, 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”.
Zainab Balogun, Director of Public Affairs and Communication Director Procurement, who represented Management of the Chivita Foods Limited, said the summit will surely impact Africa, Nigeria and mostly the industrial sector in Nigeria, adding that Chi company appreciates the invitation to partner in the Summit.
