_By Segun Tomori_
The fourth edition of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) promises to be bigger and better than the previous three editions. Formerly called the NigeriaAfrica Natural Resource & Energy Investment Summit (NAFNIS) in its inaugural year, AFNIS is Africa’s premier convening platform dedicated to transforming the continent’s vast natural resource and energy wealth into inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
This year’s summit Themed “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development”, brings together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture and finance alongside policy makers in these sectors, across the continent, to develop bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration. The conference aims to promote the development and financing of green energy projects, facilitate trade and knowledge sharing, develop supportive policies for the natural resources sector whilst highlighting investment opportunities across the continent.
Leading the pack of speakers is the host, the erudite Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. The minister renowned across the continent as the advocate of local value addition will be throwing more light on reforms and efforts of the Tinubu administration to not only make Nigeria a viable investment destination but also make the mining sector lead Nigeria’s industrial renaissance. As the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) – an advocacy group of African Ministers of Mining and Mineral Resources, Alake adorns a double hat, bringing on board his far-reaching continental influence to ensure the summit achieve its objectives and doesn’t end up as a mere talk show
Another public servant expected to grace AFNIS 2025 is the Kenyan secretary of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, while Liberia’s former Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jeanine Cooper, a longtime advocate for rural transformation that championed food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth during her tenure as minister will give the summit a boost with her vast insight and systems-thinking approach to resource management. Our very own Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, is also expected to deliver an address. From the private sector will be the CEO of Nigeria’s prime gold mining firm, Segun lawson, and a host of others.
The 4-day event holding from 14th to 17th July 2025 will feature a high-powered delegation from the Indian Business Council. This provides an opportunity for Nigeria to concretize partnerships that landed in multi-billion-dollar investment deals on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi 2023, whilst also opening new vistas for expanded collaboration with Nigeria’s business community.
Featuring prominently in AFNIS 2025 is ASBA Group of companies, a dynamic Nigerian conglomerate with deep investments in mining, real estate, and industrial development. ASBA group’s partnership with AFNIS affirms their commitment to driving Africa’s sustainable growth through local content and value-chain integration. A key highlight of this partnership will be the commissioning of ASBA’s lithium processing plant during the summit. The facility in itself is a testament to the efficacy of Dr. Alake’s local value addition policy as the potential of the new plant to unlock jobs, herald technology transfer, and propel downstream industrialization is simply limitless.
You cannot be a mining industry player of repute or an energy or finance expert worth his onions on the continent if you’ve not registered to attend AFNIS 2025 taking place at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Time is ticking. Hurry now to register at
www.Afnisummit.com/register. This might just be an opportunity to seal that life-changing deal or take your business to the next level. Don’t miss it!
_*Segun Tomori* , FSCA is the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development._
