African Solid Minerals Ministers Adopt Nig’s Local Content Model

African Ministers of Solid Minerals have approved the adoption of Nigeria’s local content model across the continent to build robust local value chains, particularly processing minerals on African soil.

This is contained in a communique signed by the Deputy Director Press and Public Relations of the Solid Minerals Development, Mrs Kania Andeyaba, at the end of the fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit, AFNIS, in Abuja.

The communique says the Minister also support the creation of a pan-African financing mechanism to support mineral beneficiation.

“AFNIS 2025 served as a vital platform for African nations and the private sector to reinforce their commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and value-driven development of their natural resources and energy sectors.

It states that the African mining ministers and chief executive officers expressed commitment towards expanding mineral testing infrastructure across the region while also proposing the establishment of joint industrial corridors and shared processing facilities within the region.

The communique stresses that the Ministers promised to be committed to operationalising the working groups of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) established by African mining ministers in 2024 with a clear roadmap.

According to the communique, the group pledged to mobilise resources within Africa to invest in lucrative projects across the continent, fostering African ownership and parity with foreign exploration companies through the unveiling of the ‘Africans for Africa’ fund at the summit.

The communique explains that the captains of the mining industries pledged to explore strategies for utilising local resources, including renewables, minerals, and human capital, to drive sustainable growth in the green economy.

According to the communique, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake, who delivered a keynote address at the event underscores Nigeria’s commitment to this policy shift.

It adds that the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, have catalysed astounding growth in mining revenues through the attraction of over $800 million in critical minerals investments, positioning Nigeria as a hub for lithium processing and electric vehicle technologies.

According to the communique, new mining licenses, for instance, should mandate local processing plans.

Another remarkable highlight which also underscores the summit theme was the high-level tour of the Asba and Wisdom International Lithium Processing Plant.

“Transforming the Energy Sector: Discussions underscored Africa’s growing energy sector and the critical role of energy access for socio-economic progress. Initiatives like Nigeria’s presidential compressed natural gas (CNG) program were highlighted as successful models”

“A significant development during the summit was the official signing of the Charter by Nigeria, formally joining the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) as a full member”

“This step solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to a unified African approach to mineral development, focusing on value addition, exploration, African capital mobilisation, and critical mineral security across the continent”

It adds that In his address,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, urges delegates to become co-architects of Africa’s future by forging investment partnerships that add value through job creation and environmental stewardship.

The theme of the fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit, AFNIS, is “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” and the 5th Edition comes up June 2026.

PR/Georgina Humphrey