By Seun Adams
With barely 2 months to Africa’s Raw Materials Summit starting from May 20-22, in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading Nigerian manufacturers including Berger Paints, Mouka Foams, RAE Envelopes, Flour Mills Nigeria, Chi Limited and other reputable companies have thrown their weight behind the upcoming event with pledged to partner the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), the organisers organisers, and fully participate at the event.
The was made known following a strategic engagement tour by the Director General (DG/CEO) of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso.
The DG’s visit to key stakeholders across the raw materials value chain was part of a nationwide effort to sensitize industry leaders about the maiden edition of the summit, scheduled to host over 72 participating countries.
The tour also sought to forge vital partnerships that will ensure the success of the landmark intercontinental event.
According to Ike-Muonso, the summit which is the first of its kind on the continent is expected to serve as a catalytic platform for African nations to look inward, harness their abundant natural resources, and drive sustainable industrial development.
He emphasized the need for Nigerian players in the raw materials sector to seize the opportunity to connect with counterparts from across Africa.
“This Summit is more than just a gathering,” he said. “It is a call for Africa to take ownership of its developmental destiny through innovation, research, and collaboration in the raw materials ecosystem.”
The consultant in charge of the summit Prof. Bernard Odoh also explained that the event is unique event that is expected to change the destiny of African Continent.
Industry giants have welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. The Group Managing Director/CEO of Berger Paints, Mrs. Alaba Fagun and the GMD of Mouka Foams, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, both commended the Council’s foresight and pledged their participation. They also expressed keen interest in deepening their investment in research and development, seeing the Summit as a valuable avenue for knowledge exchange and strategic alliances.
RAE Envelopes CEO Princess Layo Bakare Okeowo, and other stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, praising RMRDC’s leadership and commitment to building a more self-reliant Africa through raw materials innovation.
With over 72 countries already indicating interest, the Africa Raw Materials Summit is poised to become a groundbreaking event that will reshape the continent’s industrial landscape and foster intra-African collaboration like never before.
