Global shift in energy landscape unique opportunity for Africa to leverage rich mineral resources: AU Official

Addis Ababa, March 20, 2025 (FMC) – The global shift in the energy landscape presents a unique moment for Africa to leverage its rich mineral resources for sustainable development, Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism at the African Union Commission Ron Osman said.

The 3rd African Forum on Mining Under the theme “The Africa Mining Vision at 16: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities” is taking place in Addis Ababa from 19 to 21 March.

Addressing the opening of the three-day forum today, the Director said the global shift in the energy landscape, particularly the green energy transition, presents a unique moment for Africa to leverage its rich mineral resources for sustainable development.

“This forum will be critical in exploring the ways in which we can harness opportunities,” she affirmed.

UNDP Regional Service Center for Africa Director Matthias Naab said the third African forum on mining is instrumental to hear about achievements and outreach of African Minerals Development Center (AMDC) and see the partnerships built leveraged by AMDC for delivering its mandate across the continent.

AMDC has advanced harmonization of geological systems to ensure that decision makers manage rural sources in a coherent manner and build linkages between African capital markets to attract investments, he pointed out.

The African Forum on Mining is a biannual event organized by the AMDC to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within the mining sector.

Head of the Policy and Cooperation Section at the EU delegation to the AU Gianluca Azzoni said for his part that supporting industrialization in Africa and the development of sustainable and resilient value and supply chains are EU’s priority.

Globally, the European Union adheres to and supports initiatives such as the Extractive Industry Transparency initiatives on which it is the larger donor in Africa, he stated.

On the occasion, Anthony Brand, Expert of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises at the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) said the organization has strengthened its collaboration with the African minerals Development Center.

The OACPS stands ready to work with all stakeholders including governments, the private sector development partners and local communities, he affirmed.

The African Forum on Mining continued the dialogue on the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) implementation, focusing on aligning mining practices with sustainable development goals and optimizing the benefits of Africa’s mineral wealth for its people, it was learned.