Nigeria’s first raw materials summit to host delegates from 72+ countries

Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Munonso RMRDC — Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Munonso

The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Munonso, has said that over 72 countries are expected to attend Nigeria’s first Raw Materials Summit in 2025.

Ike-Munonso, who disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said the summit will address Nigeria’s critical challenges through economic diversification and industrial growth strategies.

He noted that regional collaboration would enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market.

He said the summit’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Africa’s Resource Landscape,” highlights the collective vision to leverage Africa’s vast natural resource wealth for sustainable industrialisation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness,” he stressed.

The DG lamented that Africa is still struggling with industrial transformation and sustainable development despite holding a significant share of the world’s raw materials.

“Regional collaboration will enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market. It will also open investment opportunities in raw materials processing and infrastructure, as well as promote sustainable extraction and value-addition techniques,” Ike-Munonso said.

He said that the summit will create avenues for policy formulation and governance to foster responsible resource management and data-driven decision-making through the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS).

According to him, the programme for the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 has been carefully designed to facilitate impactful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities.

The summit will bring together over 1,000 participants, including government officials, policymakers, industry players, investors, and researchers, to encourage the active participation of key stakeholders across all sectors and ensure a comprehensive approach to raw materials development.

He said, “The Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025 is more than just an event; 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 said, “We urge media organisations, 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 countdown 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.”