On 17th July 2024, the Secretary-General of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), His Excellency Moses Micheal Engadu, met with His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting marked a significant moment in strengthening Africa’s collective approach to harnessing its vast natural resources and enhancing its negotiating power on the global stage.

Strengthening Ties Between Nigeria and the AMSG

During the meeting, Secretary-General Engadu briefed President Tinubu on the Africa Minerals Strategy Group—its mandate, goals, and initiatives—while requesting the Nigerian government’s support for AMSG’s activities and for the ratification of its Charter.

In response, President Tinubu warmly welcomed the AMSG delegation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the group, emphasizing its critical role in the future of Africa’s mining and mineral resources. As founding Chairperson of the AMSG, Nigeria’s commitment is vital to ensuring the continent’s economic development, sustainability, and energy transition.

“We will lead the continent to self-realization on the value of our minerals and economic ingenuity, freeing it from undue exploitation and abuse,” President Tinubu declared.

Defending Africa’s Resources Against Exploitation

A significant highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on Africa’s responsibility to protect its natural resources from illegal exploitation and to regain control over its vast reserves of minerals. President Tinubu underscored the need for African nations to unite in defending their mineral wealth and ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice on the global stage, especially in the context of energy transition and the growing global demand for critical minerals.

Honourable Dr. Dele Alake on the Importance of Unity

Honourable Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development of Nigeria and Chairperson of the AMSG Ministerial Steering Committee, added weight to the discussions by stressing the importance of unity among African countries. He highlighted that the divide and rule tactics used by global players had historically weakened Africa’s negotiating power, preventing the continent from fully benefiting from its mineral wealth.

Minister Alake stated, “The world needs critical minerals for energy transition and green energy, and these metals are largely found in Africa. We must speak with one voice to prevent continued exploitation.”

He also reiterated the need for uniform policies across African nations, which would prevent investors from exploiting countries individually. By adopting local value-addition policies and presenting a united front, African countries could better regulate investments and ensure that investors adhere to fair terms and practices.

The AMSG’s Role in Africa’s Mineral Future

The Africa Minerals Strategy Group was formed to ensure that African nations can fully benefit from their natural resources while countering exploitative practices. The group aims to create common policy frameworks to help member countries unlock the full potential of their mineral wealth and avoid being undermined by competing interests.

The meeting with President Tinubu was a vital step in positioning the AMSG as a central force in the development of Africa’s mining and minerals sector, with the ultimate goal of fostering regional integration, industrialization, and sustainable economic development for African nations.

Delegation and Goodwill Messages

The AMSG Secretary-General’s delegation that met with President Tinubu included distinguished representatives from various African countries:

• Honourable Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria
• Honourable Monica Chang’anamuno, Minister of Mining, Malawi
• Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone
• Honourable Oumar Djime Moussa, Deputy Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Geology, Chad
• Honourable Fahnseth B. Mulbah, Deputy Minister for Planning, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Liberia
• Mr. Anthony Eruaga Jackson Peter, Director General, Ministry of Mining, South Sudan
• Mr. Sadrack Dobe, Director General of Geology, Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Geology, Chad
• Dr. Joseph Mkandawire, Secretary for Mining, Malawi
• Dr. John Cooper, Director Policy and Research, Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone
• Mr. Patrick Mulindwa, AMSG Chief of Staff
• Her Excellency Agatha Engadu, Spouse to the Secretary-General

Goodwill messages were delivered from several AMSG member nations, including:

• His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi (via Honourable Monica Chang’anamuno)
• His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone (via Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai)
• His Excellency Mahmat Idriss Deby, President of Chad (via Honourable Oumar Djime Moussa)
• His Excellency Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia (via Honourable Fahnseth B. Mulbah)
• Honourable Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mining, South Sudan (via Mr. Anthony Eruaga Jackson Peter)

AMSG’s Vision for the Future

As an intergovernmental body, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group works to facilitate international cooperation in the mineral and mining sector across Africa. Through strategic partnerships, AMSG aims to harness Africa’s vast mineral reserves for mutual benefit, driving industrialization, value addition, and economic growth across the continent.

The AMSG’s founding member nations include Botswana, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Several other African countries are also in the process of joining the group.

With the continued support of key African leaders like President Tinubu, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group is poised to lead the way in transforming Africa’s mineral sector into a force for economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social development across the continent.

This meeting underscores the collective determination of African leaders to protect Africa’s mineral wealth, create value locally, and ensure equitable distribution of the benefits from their natural resources. The AMSG remains steadfast in its mission to unite African nations and reshape the global mining landscape for a sustainable future.