The Chairman of Africa Minerals Strategy Group and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has said that decisive steps are being taken by the continent to strengthen value addition, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth in the gemstones and gold value chain.
Dr Alake disclosed this at a pre-event news conference ahead of the 4th African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition & Conference and the Gold & Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (AGJEC/GGCE 2025) in Abuja yesterday.
The event with the theme ‘Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa,’ will be held in Lagos.
The minister, who explained the conference will be a reflection of a shared ambition to transform the sector for the benefit of all Africans, said one-third of global mineral resources is domiciled in Africa.
He lamented that the continent earns only a marginal share of the world’s mineral value.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, the minister, however, said that the gap should be a major opportunity for growth and collective prosperity.
Dr Alake highlighted the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which include enhanced transparency, accelerated geological data gathering, improved local refining and manufacturing, and the formalisation of artisanal mining.
He stressed that these reforms are targeted at safeguarding mining communities, increasing revenue, and making solid minerals a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial development.
The minister stressed that gold and gemstones hold immense potential to create jobs and empower women and youth, as the value of a polished gem or crafted jewellery piece can multiply significantly across the value chain.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to responsible sourcing and certification and the transition from exporting raw minerals to producing world-class finished products.
Commending women in mining in Nigeria for promoting inclusivity, the minister promised the group government continued support for training, community development, and safer mining practices.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
