*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, says the forthcoming African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2024 holding from July 16, 2024, in Nigeria, is pivotal for harnessing Africa’s mineral resources to achieve sustainable economic development while uniting stakeholders across the continent

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As the forthcoming African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2024 approaches, Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has affirmed the forum is pivotal for uniting the stakeholders while harnessing Africa’s mineral resources to achieve sustainable economic development.

绿帽献妻 reports Dr. Alake, who stated this during a media chat about the forthcoming 3rd Edition of this year鈥檚 AFNIS, scheduled to hold July 16-18, 2024, in the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.

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

The objective of the Summit is to galvanise a consensus aimed at driving economic growth, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fostering the development of cleaner energy.

Alake also said: “This year鈥檚 summit, under the theme, 鈥楴atural Resources for Economic Development鈥�, underscores the significant role that Africa’s natural resources play in driving economic prosperity.

鈥淥ur focus will be on empowering marginalised communities and strategically utilising fossil fuel revenues to fund the transition to a greener Africa.鈥�

Organised 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 hosted by Nigeria since Dr. Alake emerged as the pioneer Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).

“AFNIS 2024 will set the pace for policy initiatives and regulatory frameworks that will enhance the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources and galvanise concerted action towards value addition鈥攁 major policy adopted by the AMSG,鈥� stated he.

The Minister, therefore, urged the media to provide extensive coverage of the event, as he stressed the importance of projecting Nigeria as a favourable investment destination.

He equally charged members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to contribute their quota to altering the negative perception of Nigeria in the comity of nations.

He urged Nigerians: “Let’s utilise the AFNIS Summit to bolster Nigeria’s image and project us as Africa’s leading investment destination.

鈥淭he present administration is working diligently to improve the ease of doing business and address inherent challenges.鈥�

Speaking at the media engagement, Suleiman Zakari, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Core International, disclosed this year’s summit would include bilateral meetings focused on value addition to ensure the African continent gets maximum value from its vast mineral resources.