Chioma Ezike
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has commenced stakeholder engagement ahead of the Africa Raw Materials Summit.
Led by the Director General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso. The RMRDC delegation visited Lagos to meet with key players in the manufacturing sector and raise awareness about the significance of the upcoming two day summit scheduled to hold from May 20 to 22, 2025.
The team visited some manufacturing firms including Landcraft Industries Limited, Sunflag Group, Top Steel Nigeria, and MATACO Group, where the Director General said the visits was aimed at fostering collaboration and underscore the summit’s goal of promoting local raw material sourcing and value addition to the abundant resources in the country.
Professor Ike-Muonso said that other federal ministries and parastals are also involved to ensure the success of the event including Federal Ministry of Trade and Investments, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to mention but few.
In a remark, the General Manager, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Femi Gbadegun who also was part of the team enjoined all industry players to leverage on the rare opportunity to participate in the summit because of its numerous advantages.
The stakeholders who expressed enthusiasm for the summit, pledged their support and participation, however, called on RMRDC to advocate for government policies that are more favorable to local manufacturers, particularly in areas like tariff, infrastructure, and import substitution.
The Africa Raw Materials Summit is expected to convene industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from across the continent to forge actionable strategies for harnessing Africa’s vast raw material potential.
The summit consultant and chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Prof. Benard Odoh, emphasized the strategic importance of the summit for the continent pointing out that the summit is a golden opportunity for industry stakeholders to shape policies, form partnerships, and drive the growth of Africa’s raw materials sector.
He explained that over 70 countries are warming up to attend the summit which is a huge opportunity for companies to meet with strategic partners and build strong capacity. He urged stakeholders to seize the moment and actively participate.