AFNIS 2024: A Vital Platform That Unites Government Officials, Private Sector, Industry Experts Across The Continent.....Alake

Dr Dele Alake
Minister of Solid Minerals Development

"The goal is to galvanize a consensus aimed at driving economic growth, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fostering the development of cleaner energy." Alake.

Report by Juliet Oyoyo

As Nigeria prepares for the hosting of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has stated that the goal is to galvanize a consensus aimed at driving economic growth, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fostering the development of cleaner energy.

This is as the Minister also declared that the forthcoming African Natural Resources & Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2024 is pivotal for harnessing Africa's mineral resources to achieve sustainable economic development.

He stated this while addressing  journalists on the 3rd Edition of the Summit, which is scheduled to be hosted by Nigeria from July 16.

The Minister emphasized that the Summit provides a vital platform that unites government officials, private sector stakeholders, and industry experts from across the continent. 

According to him, "The goal is to galvanize a consensus aimed at driving economic growth, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fostering the development of cleaner energy.

"This year’s summit, under the Theme: Natural Resources for Economic Development, underscores the significant role that Africa's natural resources play in driving economic prosperity.

"Our focus will be on empowering marginalized communities and strategically utilizing fossil fuel revenues to fund the transition to a greener Africa," the Solid Mineral Minister stated.

Dr Alake said that, "AFNIS 2024 will set the pace for policy initiatives and regulatory frameworks that will enhance the sustainable exploitation of Mineral Resources and galvanize concerted action towards value addition; a major policy adopted by the AMSG."

The Minister who urged the media to provide extensive coverage of the event by highlighting the importance of projecting Nigeria as a favourable investment destination, also charged members of the fourth estate of the realm to contribute their quota in altering the negative perception of the country.

"Let's utilise the AFNIS Summit to bolster Nigeria's image and project us as Africa's leading investment destination. 

"The present administration is working diligently to improve the ease of doing business and address inherent challenges," the Minister asserted.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Core International, Suleiman Zakari, in his remarks, revealed that this year's Summit would include bilateral meetings focusing on value addition to ensure the continent gets maximum value from its vast mineral resources.

Organized in partnership with Core International Mining Company, the summit will bring together African Ministers of Solid Minerals/Mineral Resources and will be the first Summit to be hosted by Nigeria since Dr. Alake emerged as the pioneer chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).

The AFNIS 2024 summit will be held from July 16 to 18, 2024, at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This was disclosed in a Press release signed by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development