African Leaders Seek Greater Value From Mineral Wealth

African countries are being encouraged to work more closely to develop their mineral resources, attract investment, create jobs and ensure that the continent gains greater economic benefits from its vast mineral wealth.

The call was made at the 2nd Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) High-Level Roundtable in New York, United States, where senior government officials and stakeholders from across Africa discussed ways of strengthening cooperation in the mining sector.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Special assistant media to the Minister of Solid Minerals development, Lara Owoeye-Wise in Abuja.

According to the statement, the meeting focuses on the need for African countries to move beyond the export of raw minerals by promoting local processing and developing stronger mineral value chains across the continent.

It adds that Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, were among the key participants at the meeting.

According to the statement, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho; Secretary-General of AMSG, Moses Michael Engadu; and Eswatini’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini were also present.

It adds that the roundtable is part of AMSG’s efforts to promote stronger partnerships among African countries and develop common strategies for the responsible management of the continent’s mineral resources.

The statement explains that the group is also working to encourage investment, improve local value addition and ensure that mineral development contributes more directly to economic growth and development across Africa.