…President Tinubu, WTO’s Okonjo-Iweala, AfDB’s Adesina to headline event
By Dele Ogbodo
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is at the cusp of history making epoch as its indefatigable Director General DG/CEO, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, on Monday acknowledged that arrangement has been concluded for the kick-off of Africa’s First Raw Materials Summit scheduled for May 20-22 in Abuja.
The summit, the DG, said will be declared opened by President Bola Tinubu, in company of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the President of Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Femi Adesina, other African Heads of State and Government with over 1,000 participants in the rank of government officials, policymakers, industry players, investors and researchers.
He said: “The Council encourages the active participation of key stakeholders across all sectors to ensure a comprehensive approach to raw materials development in Nigeria and Africa.”
The RMRDC boss further underscores that the landmark event will launch Africa into the long awaited industrial growth as the event will shape the future of Africa’s raw materials exploitation for the continent’s industrial trajectory.
While steaming with excitement over the forthcoming history making event, at a press conference at the Council’s Headquarters in Abuja, he said the prestigious gathering is designed to bring together researchers, policymakers, investors, industrial leaders, and key stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
The aim of the summit, Ike-Munonso, added is to explore innovative ideas, foster strategic partnerships, and develop actionable solutions for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s raw materials sector.
He said: “The Summit’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Africa’s Resource Landscape,” highlights our collective vision to leverage Africa’s vast natural resource wealth for sustainable industrialization, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
On why the summit is overarching, he stressed: “Africa possesses a significant share of the world’s raw materials, yet we struggle with value addition, industrial transformation, and sustainable development.
The summit he explained is aimed at addressing the critical challenges by focusing on: “Economic diversification and industrial growth strategies, investment opportunities in raw materials processing and infrastructure and sustainable extraction and value-addition techniques.
The others according to him, include: “Regional collaboration to enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market, data-driven decision-making through the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS) and Policy formulation and governance to foster responsible resource management.
The DG pointed out that the program for the summit 2025 has been carefully designed to facilitate impactful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities, adding that over the three-day event, participants will experience: “High-Level Keynotes featuring top government officials, industry leaders, and international experts.
“Discussions on sustainable extraction, investment, industrialization, and trade, Networking Mixers & Investor Matchmaking Sessions to connect stakeholders with funding opportunities, Raw Materials Innovation Exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in the sector, Regional Focus Sessions addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of East, West, and Southern Africa and Workshops on Value Addition and Capacity Development for strengthening Africa’s raw materials industry.
“Registration is now open, and early bird rates apply until March 30, 2025. Interested participants can register via our official website:
http://africanrawmaterialsummit.rmrdc.gov.ng…For inquiries, please reach out via: • Speaking Engagements: speaker@africanrawmaterialsummit.rmrdc.gov.ng • Partnerships & Sponsorships: partner@africanrawmaterialsummit.rmrdc.gov.ng • General Registration: registration@africanrawmaterialsummit.rmrdc.gov.ng • Operations & Logistics: operations@africanrawmaterialsummit.rmrdc.gov.ng.
On sponsorship and collaboration opportunities, the DG, added: “We invite organizations, government agencies, and private sector players to seize sponsorship opportunities that offer extensive brand visibility, strategic networking, and positioning as key industry leaders.
Sponsorship categories include: • Platinum Sponsorship: $15,000 (Exclusive branding, keynote speaking slot, VIP networking access, etc.) • Gold Sponsorship: $10,000 (Panel participation, exhibition booth, recognition in event materials, etc.) • Silver Sponsorship: $5,000 (Branding, exhibition space, and networking opportunities.) • Bronze Sponsorship: $2,500 (Logo recognition and limited access to networking sessions.) • Supporting Sponsorship: $1,000 (Basic branding and event acknowledgment.)
While calling for partnership, he added that the summit is more than just an event, explaining that it is a movement to reshape Africa’s raw materials industry.
Stakeholders can help drive industrial transformation, strengthen local industries, create jobs, and unlock Africa’s true economic potential by attending and participating, he added.
“We urge media houses, policymakers, corporate entities, research institutions, and the general public to join us in making this summit successful.
“Let us work together to chart a sustainable, prosperous future for Africa’s raw materials sector.
“As we count down to May 20-22, 2025, I call on all stakeholders to engage actively in this initiative. Let us seize this moment to redefine Africa’s resource landscape, drive economic progress, and secure our place in the global industrial ecosystem.” He said.
