On 8th November 2024, His Excellency Moses Micheal Engadu, Secretary-General of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), delivered a powerful statement at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Mining Forum Ministerial Meeting in Juba, South Sudan. The event, focused on Mineral Value Addition and Cross-Border Trade, provided a platform for African ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss key strategies for harnessing Africa’s mineral wealth for sustainable economic development.

A Story of Relentless Action: The Hummingbird and the Forest Fire

In his address, H.E. Engadu shared a poignant story of a hummingbird and a forest fire to illustrate the power of individual action in creating collective change. He spoke of a fire that threatened the forest, with all animals feeling powerless in the face of overwhelming destruction. However, the hummingbird, despite its small size, took it upon itself to bring water from the stream, dropping it onto the fire, and inspiring the other animals to join in. Eventually, their collective efforts quelled the fire.

“The lesson is simple yet profound: no matter how small our efforts may seem, each action matters. When we come together, we can overcome even the biggest challenges,” said H.E. Engadu. He likened the efforts of African ministers and leaders, who established the AMSG, to the hummingbird’s determined spirit in championing mineral value addition and driving economic transformation.

Local Value Addition: A Path to Prosperity

At the core of the AMSG’s work is the promotion of mineral value addition across Africa. H.E. Engadu emphasized that the continent cannot afford to continue exporting its minerals as raw materials. He reiterated that local beneficiation—processing minerals within Africa to create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and boost economies—is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and economic dependence.

The AMSG has already made significant strides, with several African leaders prioritizing mineral value addition. Among them, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, and President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi have all committed to ensuring that raw minerals are not exported but processed locally to maximize economic benefits for their citizens.

Overcoming Challenges: The Need for Collaboration

Despite the challenges—ranging from lack of financing to infrastructure gaps—H.E. Engadu stressed that Africa’s success in mineral value addition lies in collaboration. Through the AMSG, African nations are working together to overcome obstacles and unlock the full potential of their natural resources.

He called on ministers, governments, and private sector partners to unite in this vision, leveraging resources, sharing knowledge, and building capacity to develop Africa’s mining sector sustainably.

“We are not alone in this journey. Through strategic partnerships, cooperation, and shared resources, Africa can overcome any obstacle,” he affirmed.

Key Initiatives to Drive Value Addition and Trade

To further support mineral value addition and cross-border trade, H.E. Engadu outlined several key initiatives led by the AMSG:

1. Africa Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiative: This initiative will ensure African countries can compete in global markets by adhering to international standards for responsible sourcing, improving traceability, and boosting market access for value-added minerals.

“Africa is part of the solution, not the problem,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of aligning Africa’s mineral sourcing practices with international expectations and standards.

1. Africa Minerals and Metals Exchange: This platform is designed to facilitate cross-border trade, enabling African nations to trade responsibly sourced minerals in a secure, transparent, and efficient market. The AMSG is committed to helping African countries set up systems that improve liquidity, foster trust, and enhance market participation.

• 2. Comprehensive Mineral Exploration: H.E. Engadu commended South Sudan for its pioneering efforts in comprehensive mineral exploration, which will provide crucial data to unlock financing and investments for value addition.

A Call for Unity and Collective Action

In closing, H.E. Engadu issued a powerful call to action, urging African countries to join the AMSG and the Africa Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiative. He emphasized the importance of unity in Africa’s quest for economic freedom and socio-economic prosperity. He also stressed the need for a mental shift towards a mindset that prioritizes collaboration, sustainability, and collective action in addressing Africa’s challenges.

“A house divided cannot stand,” he cautioned. “Africa cannot afford to be divided. Now is the time for all of us to come together and create a legacy of economic freedom and prosperity for future generations.”

The Road Ahead

The discussions at the ICGLR Mining Forum Ministerial Meeting in Juba are a significant step toward achieving mineral value addition and cross-border trade across Africa. The AMSG remains committed to supporting African countries in unlocking the full potential of their mineral resources, driving economic growth, and building a more prosperous, self-reliant Africa.

As H.E. Engadu said, achieving these goals is a journey—a marathon, not a sprint. But with collaboration, resilience, and action, Africa is poised to transform its mining sector, overcome its challenges, and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.

“Together, we can build a stronger Africa, one where our natural resources benefit all our people. Let us work together, as one, to achieve our shared vision for a prosperous continent.”