From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is gearing up for the Maiden Edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025, which will attract experts from over 72 countries across Africa and other parts of the world to chart a new course for the future of Africa.
The Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, highlighted this during an industrial visit to Chi Limited Company, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, to solicit collaboration.
Professor Ike-Muonso stressed that Africa is indeed blessed with abundant raw material resources, but the challenge lies in its ability to harness these raw material potentials for the benefit of the continent and its people.
According to the DG, “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.”
Prof. Ike-Muonso noted that to address these challenges, the RMRDC is organising the first of its kind: the Africa Raw Materials Summit, scheduled to be held from 20 to 22 May 2025, which aims to bring together critical stakeholders across the globe to interact and share ideas, to chart a new course for the development of 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. He is therefore calling on key stakeholders to get involved and make the upcoming summit worthwhile.
The summit, scheduled to take place from 20 to 22 May 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, FCT, 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.
Earlier in his remarks, the Project Consultant and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Summit, Professor Bernard Odoh, during the visit 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 development. He said it is an opportunity for 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 resource 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,” he said.
The Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Zainab Balogun, and the Director of Procurement, who jointly represented the Management of Chivita Foods Limited, were visibly delighted at the visit and the invitation to be part of the laudable project to see Africa looking onward to harness its abundant resources.
She said this will surely impact Africa, Nigeria, and mostly the industrial sector in Nigeria, adding that Chi Company appreciates the invitation to partnership in the Summit.
The Project Consultant, Prof. Odoh, concluded that it is great to have Chi Company as a partner in the summit. “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.”