Editor’s Note
This article highlights a significant policy shift as African nations, led by Nigeria’s Dr. Dele Alake, move to capture more value from their mineral wealth. The focus on regional collaboration and processing gems and gold locally marks a decisive step toward greater economic sovereignty and sustainable development for the continent.
The Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has stated that the continent is taking decisive steps to strengthen value addition, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth in the gemstones and gold value chain.
Dr. Alake disclosed this at a pre-event news conference ahead of the 4th African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition & Conference and the Gold & Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (AGJEC/GGCE 2025) in Abuja. The event, with the theme ‘Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gem Development in Africa,’ will be held in Lagos.
The minister explained that the conference reflects a shared ambition to transform the sector for the benefit of all Africans, noting that one-third of global mineral resources is domiciled in Africa.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, the minister, however, stated that this gap should be viewed as a major opportunity for growth and collective prosperity.
Dr. Alake highlighted the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which include enhanced transparency, accelerated geological data gathering, improved local refining and manufacturing, and the formalisation of artisanal mining.
The minister emphasized that gold and gemstones hold immense potential to create jobs and empower women and youth, as the value of a polished gem or crafted jewellery piece can multiply significantly across the value chain.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to responsible sourcing and certification and the transition from exporting raw minerals to producing world-class finished products.
Commending women in mining in Nigeria for promoting inclusivity, the minister promised the group continued government support for training, community development, and safer mining practices.