By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Federal Government has announced plans to formally launch the “Africans for Africa Fund” during the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), set for July 15-17 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the initiative is aimed at mobilising African capital for Africa’s mining and natural resource development priorities.
He said the Fund reflects a shift in mindset, calling on Africans to invest in local industries, innovation, and infrastructure using the continent’s own resources.
“This is not a slogan,” Alake stressed. “It’s a call to action-Africans must invest in Africa.”
Alake noted that the Fund will be a highlight of the fourth AFNIS summit, now regarded as a key continental platform for investment matchmaking, dialogue, and partnerships in the extractives sector.
This year’s theme, “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” seeks to drive value addition and job creation through domestic processing of raw materials.
He revealed that AFNIS 2025 will feature ministerial and CEO retreats, strategic partnership dialogues, and forums focusing on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), issues, critical minerals, and agriculture-mining integration.
Confirmed international speakers include Hon. Hassan Joho (Kenya), H.E. Julius Mattai (Sierra Leone), and Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, alongside ministers from countries like Malawi, Liberia, Senegal, and South Sudan.
Alake said Nigeria will use the summit to showcase progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including reforms in the solid minerals sector, national mineral data rollout, and new community development efforts.
He urged stakeholders to seize the moment and demonstrate that Africa is ready to lead its resource-driven future.
