Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) has unveiled plans for its Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for 26–28 November 2025 in Lagos, as part of efforts to promote women’s empowerment and local value addition in the mining sector.

Speaking at a send-forth event for Miss Universe Nigeria 2025, who will represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, Mrs Adesuwa Dan-Princewill, Chairperson of the conference’s planning committee, said WIMIN is committed to building skills and creating opportunities for women in mining.

“This event is about showing the world that Nigeria can mine, design, and produce world-class jewellery,” she said. “We must stop exporting raw gemstones for little value and start transforming them locally.”

This year’s conference — now recognised across five African countries including Egypt, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, and Nigeria — will feature exhibitions, plenary sessions, and masterclasses by Labi Akapa, a jeweller who has created pieces for royalty. Participants will be trained to identify gemstones, understand their true value, and design luxury jewellery to global standards.

According to Dan-Princewill, many miners lose value due to lack of technical knowledge, sometimes selling gemstones worth ₦300,000 for ₦30,000. The conference, she said, will address this through training and mentorship.

She added that the initiative forms part of WIMIN’s long-term goal to enhance the economic independence of women in mining communities and integrate them into the mainstream of Nigeria’s mineral value chain. Over the past decade, WIMIN has consistently advocated policy reforms to make mining safer, more inclusive, and more profitable for women.

Beyond mining, WIMIN is incorporating culture and fashion into its empowerment drive. The association has backed Miss Universe Nigeria 2025, whose crown was designed entirely by Nigerian women.

“The gemstones on her crown were mined, cut, and crafted locally,” Dan-Princewill said. “It’s a statement that Nigerian women have the talent and skill to compete globally.”

She explained that the collaboration between WIMIN and the Miss Universe Nigeria platform symbolises a new era of cultural diplomacy — one where Nigerian craftsmanship and female ingenuity can shine on the world stage. The synergy between mining and fashion, she added, would help attract investors and create employment opportunities for young designers and artisans.

The event will also include a Jewellery Fashion Runway and a Gala Night featuring a jewellery design competition aimed at discovering new talents. Winners will receive mentorship opportunities and support to showcase their creations at international exhibitions.

WIMIN currently operates in 28 states and continues to champion women’s participation in the mining sector, from artisanal work to executive leadership. The Gold and Gemstone Conference has become a major African platform promoting responsible sourcing, traceability, and sustainable development in mining.

The conference is expected to draw participants from government agencies, international development partners, and private sector players. Stakeholders are hopeful that this edition will further consolidate Nigeria’s growing reputation as a centre for gemstone excellence in Africa and inspire more women to take up leadership roles in the mineral value chain.