Nigeria’s Dr Dele Alake Named Chairman of Africa Minerals Strategy Group
In a historic announcement, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) has selected Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to serve as its inaugural chairman.
The news was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. Dr Dele Alake’s appointment holds great importance for Nigeria in the global mining arena, underscoring the country’s growing influence and dedication to shaping the future of mineral development across the continent.
The announcement took place during the 30th edition of Investing in Africa Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, with the participation of mineral development ministers from various African nations, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Chad, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia.
Dr. Alake demonstrated a commitment to African unity in mining during the conference. He emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate in fully exploiting their mineral resources and stressed the importance of implementing standardized regulations and laws across the continent to prevent exploitation by external investors.
In his statement, Dr. Alake underscored the significance of African unity for the development of the mining sector:
“Today, there is an economic scramble for Africa. The critical metals needed for the energy transition are in Africa. Therefore, if we do not come together this time around and take our destinies into our own hands, we will go through the same harrowing experiences of the past. That is why we formed this body.”
He also added, “Let those who want our minerals know that if you go to country A, you have the same regulations and laws guiding the sector. You go to country B, you find the same. So, there is no divide and rule anymore. That is when we can show sincerity of purpose, and the world will begin to take Africa seriously. On behalf of our president, I pledge our full support to achieve our objectives.”
More than 15 countries have already pledged their support to the AMSG, and many more are expected to join as the group begins its operations under Nigeria’s leadership. Additionally, Dr. Alake reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the AMSG objectives and promised full support from the Nigerian government under the president’s leadership.
This appointment and the establishment of the AMSG come after a meeting in January, where Nigeria and Uganda rallied African Ministers of Solid Minerals/Mineral Resources on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This gathering focused on championing value addition in the mining sector as a strategy to boost the economies of African countries.
In conclusion, Dr. Dele Alake’s appointment as the pioneer chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group signifies a momentous occasion for Nigeria and the entire African continent. With a commitment to promoting unity and driving sustainable mineral development, Dr. Alake and the AMSG aim to bring about positive change in the mining sector, benefiting countries across Africa.
