The Federal Government has announced plans to launch a new financing plan called the “Africans for Africa Fund” to boost investment in mining and natural resource development across the continent.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, shared the news during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday ahead of the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit. The summit will take place from July 15 to 17 at the State House Conference Centre.
Speaking through Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, the minister said the fund will focus on encouraging Africans to invest in African industries, especially in areas like mineral processing, job creation, and infrastructure development.
“One of the major highlights this year will be the formal launch of the Africans for Africa Fund. This isn’t a slogan. It’s a shift in mindset,” Alake said.
He said the summit’s theme, “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” shows that Nigeria and other African nations are now serious about adding value to their resources locally, instead of exporting them raw.
“This year’s theme encourages a serious rethink about how Africa can shift away from exporting raw materials and instead build factories, refine minerals, generate power locally, and create jobs at home,” Alake added.
He explained that the idea behind the Africans for Africa Fund began at the 2024 summit, which drew wide attention and investment commitments. That event featured over 1,000 stakeholders and showcased new technology and strategies for mineral development.
Alake, who also leads the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, revealed that AFNIS 2025 will feature high-level discussions such as a Ministerial and CEO Retreat, Strategic Partnership Summit, and forums focused on mining and agriculture, energy, and environmental topics.
Confirmed speakers for the summit include Hon. Hassan Joho of Kenya, Julius Mattai of Sierra Leone, Damilola Ogunbiyi, and ministers from Liberia, Senegal, Malawi, and South Sudan.
He added that the Nigerian government will use the event to show progress in the solid minerals sector, including reforms, new data systems, community development agreements, and efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We will present updates on our reforms in the solid minerals sector, renewed commitment to community development agreements, the rollout of our mineral data platform, and new steps we’re taking to attract responsible investment,” Alake said.
He also called on stakeholders to use the summit to push forward bold new plans that can drive real growth across Africa.
“This is our moment to send a message: that Africa is serious about owning and leading its resource future,” the minister said.
