The 3rd African Forum on Mining (AFM), held at the African Union Commission’s Headquarters, ended with a strong call for African nations to leverage their vast mineral resources for sustainable development, industrialization, and economic transformation.

The high-profile event, organized by the African Union’s African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), brought together government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society, and mining experts to discuss Africa’s future in the global mineral economy.

A central theme of the forum was the reaffirmation of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) as the continent’s guiding framework for mineral resource governance. Sixteen years after its adoption, the AMV has made significant strides in shaping policies, developing geological data systems, and promoting minerals-based industrialization.

Emphasizing the importance of reliable geological data, participants highlighted the African Green Minerals Observatory and the African Mineral Resource Classification and Management System (AMREC-PARC) as critical tools for harmonizing geological information and enhancing mineral governance.

“Reliable geological data is the backbone of effective resource management,” said one participant. “Without it, our policies and strategies lack the precision needed to maximize Africa’s potential.” Others echoed the urgency of establishing a unified digital platform for geological data sharing and increasing investment in mapping to support sustainable mining practices.

The role of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Africa’s economy also took center stage. The forum called for formalization, improved access to financing, and greater value addition to strengthen this vital sector.

Initiatives such as mercury-free gold extraction and the African Gemstone Jewellery Exhibition and Conference (AGJEC) were spotlighted as successful models for inclusive mining development, particularly benefiting women and youth.

However, slow progress in ratifying AMDC’s legal framework remains a concern, with only four African Union (AU) member states having completed the process. Participants urged accelerated political engagement to bolster AMDC’s mandate and enhance its operational capacity.

African Green Minerals Strategy Gains Momentum

One of the forum’s key milestones was the launch of the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) — a pivotal step in advancing Africa’s industrialization and electrification through green minerals. The strategy seeks to position Africa not only as a supplier of raw materials but as a hub for green industrialization and value addition.

Another major outcome was the call for the AU to establish High-Level African Critical Minerals Diplomacy to ensure Africa benefits from surging global demand for green minerals.

The proposed diplomacy aims to enhance Africa’s bargaining power, strengthen regional coordination, and prioritize local value addition over raw material exports. It also emphasizes responsible investment, transparency, environmental sustainability, and community rights, while forging strategic global partnerships aligned with Africa’s development goals.

Speaking at the forum, Mrs. Ron Osman, Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism (IMET) at the African Union Commission, underscored the urgency of Africa taking control of its mineral wealth.

“Africa holds the key to the world’s ambitions for a just energy transition. Our continent is endowed with an unparalleled abundance of critical green minerals. However, the challenge lies in transforming this potential into equitable, sustainable growth for Africa while contributing to global progress. The African Green Minerals Strategy presents a unique opportunity for us to take control of our resources, move up the value chain, and drive industrialization for our people’s prosperity.”
Ron Osman

Highlighting Africa-Europe cooperation in the mining sector, Mr. Gianluca Azzoni, Head of Policy & Cooperation at the EU Delegation to the AU, remarked, “Africa and Europe stand at a defining moment in history — one where sustainable raw material partnerships can drive industrialization, value creation, and economic transformation.”

In her closing remarks, Dr. Marit Kitaw, Interim Director of AU-AMDC, stressed the need for action.

“This is not just a matter of economics. It is about sovereignty, justice, and the future of African youth. The African Mining Vision is our compass. The African Green Minerals Strategy is our roadmap. Now we need unified, high-level diplomacy to turn Africa’s resource wealth into real, lasting development.”
Dr. Marit Kitaw

The forum concluded with a commitment to developing a strategic roadmap for the next decade to guide AMV implementation, strengthen regional collaboration, and ensure that Africa’s mineral wealth drives economic transformation for the benefit of all Africans.