The Federal Government has announced plans to launch a groundbreaking financing initiative—the “Africans for Africa Fund”—aimed at mobilising capital from within the continent to drive development in Africa’s mining and natural resource sectors.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during a press briefing ahead of the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), slated for July 15–17 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Dr. Alake was represented by Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office.
According to Alake, the fund seeks to align African financial resources with African development priorities—particularly in industrialisation, value addition, and strategic investment across the solid minerals value chain.
“One of the major highlights this year will be the official unveiling of the ‘Africans for Africa’ Fund—a bold move to mobilise African capital for African priorities. This is more than a slogan; it is a mindset shift. It is time for Africans to invest in Africa—our industries, our innovations, and our infrastructure,” Alake said.
He described the Federal Government initiative as a central feature of the fourth AFNIS edition, which has evolved into a premier platform for investment matchmaking, policy dialogue, and long-term strategic partnerships across the extractive industries.
The 2025 summit’s theme, “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” signals a pivot away from exporting raw materials and towards domestic processing, job creation, and industrial transformation.
“We are moving beyond talking about potential. This summit focuses on production, value addition, and translating Africa’s vast natural resources—from minerals and gas to agricultural land and solar energy—into tangible benefits for our people,” he added.
Alake traced the initiative’s roots to the 2024 AFNIS summit, which served as the launchpad for the “Africans for Africa” concept and garnered strong support from African governments, private sector players, and development institutions.
“The 2024 edition marked a turning point. It featured over 1,000 stakeholders, introduced cutting-edge technology solutions, and catalysed real investment commitments. It was graced by Nigeria’s Vice President, representing the President,” he noted.
As Chair of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Alake said AFNIS 2025 would feature several high-level events, including a Ministerial and CEO Retreat, a Strategic Partnership Summit, and a Technical and Investment Forum focusing on ESG standards, critical minerals, and synergies between agriculture and mining.
“We’ll examine how sectors like mining, energy, agriculture, and petrochemicals can be integrated to support long-term, inclusive growth,” he said.
Notable speakers already confirmed include Hon. Hassan Joho (Kenya), H.E. Julius Mattai (Sierra Leone), Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, and ministers from Malawi, Liberia, Senegal, and South Sudan.
Alake said Nigeria will use the platform to highlight reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including: Progress in solid minerals sector reforms, Local mineral processing efforts, Launch of a national mineral data platform, Strengthening of community development agreements
“We will showcase how Nigeria is attracting responsible investment and ensuring that mining benefits all stakeholders,” he said.
He urged ministries, agencies, companies, civil society, and development partners to embrace AFNIS 2025 as a catalyst for bold collaboration.
“This is our moment to signal that Africa is ready to lead and own its resource future. We are no longer content to sit on wealth—we are determined to build with it,” Alake declared.
