The Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has emphasised that Africa must strategically leverage its abundant natural resources to maximise economic and industrial gains, rather than exporting them in their raw form.

Professor Ike-Muonso explained that the inaugural Africa Raw Materials Summit (ARMS), taking place from May 20-22, 2025, in Abuja, will concentrate on unlocking the vast potential of Africa’s mineral and agricultural resources, with a diverse gathering of over 1,000 experts from 72 countries expected to participate.

Speaking during a visit to Chi Limited Company in Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, as part of its continued and sustained efforts to solicit collaboration for the ARMS 2025, the Director General informed that Africa is indeed blessed with abundant raw material resources but regretted that the challenge lies in its ability to harness these raw material potentials for the benefit of the continent and its people.

“Africa is rich in natural resources—both minerals and agricultural resources. However, the continent has struggled to capitalize on these resources, with many countries exporting without adding value to them. This has resulted in limited economic benefits and a lack of industrial development, which should not be allowed to continue,” he said.

He said the maiden African summit aims to address critical challenges facing the continent’s raw materials industries, with a special focus on raw materials value addition, economic diversification, industrial growth strategies, investment opportunities, and sustainable regional collaboration to enhance Africa’s position in the global raw materials market.

According to Professor Ike-Muonso, the Council is hosting the inaugural African Raw Materials Summit (ARMS) to convene key stakeholders worldwide and facilitate the exchange of ideas, paving the way for a transformative strategy to develop Africa’s raw materials sector.

He further noted that for the RMRDC project, which will focus on themes such as value addition, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth, to be a success, all hands must be on deck to actualize the summit’s aims and objectives. He, therefore, called on key stakeholders to get involved and make the upcoming summit worthwhile.

Earlier, the Project Consultant and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the Summit, Professor Bernard Odoh, enumerated that the historic event aims to bring together over 1,000 experts from 72 countries to discuss strategies for harnessing Africa’s raw materials for economic growth and the development of the continent.

He said it is an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to share ideas, build partnerships, establish mutually beneficial working relationships, and develop actionable solutions for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s raw materials sector.

“By participating in the summit, stakeholders can contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s resources landscape and help drive economic transformation.

“The RMRDC is urging all relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, corporate entities, research institutions, and the media, to join forces and make this event a success.

“With the participation of key stakeholders like Chi Company, the summit is poised to make a significant impact on the industrial sector in Nigeria and beyond,” Odoh said.

Responding, the Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Zainab Balogun, and her Procurement counterpart, Emeka Ezeji, who represented the management of Chivita Foods Limited, pledged their commitment to seeing how Africa can look inward and harness its abundant resources for the continent’s full benefit.

She expressed happiness at the visit and the invitation extended to them by RMRDC to be part of the maiden summit.

She said this will surely impact Africa, Nigeria, and, most importantly, the industrial sector in Nigeria, adding that Chi Company appreciates the invitation to partner in the summit.