The Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to unveil the “Africans for Africa” Fund, a pioneering initiative aimed at mobilizing African-owned capital for the continent’s mineral and energy sectors. According to Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the fund heralds a transformative moment for the under-utilized wealth within Africa, challenging the status quo and encouraging Africans to invest directly in their own industries and infrastructure .
Dr. Alake made the announcement ahead of the 4th Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), scheduled for July 15–17 at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Hosted under the theme “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development,” the summit will feature the formal launch of the new fund. Simon Obadiah Nkom, Director General of the Mining Cadastral Office, emphasized that this initiative is more than rhetoric—it aims to shift mindsets and back African resource-driven industries with locally generated capital .
During the event, updates will be shared on key reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, including efforts in local processing, the rollout of the National Mineral Resources Data Support System (NMRDSS), community development agreements, and targeted reforms to attract responsible investments for broad-based economic benefits .
AFNIS, first launched in 2022, is now recognized as a leading continental platform for fostering cross-sector partnerships and matching investment with opportunities. The 2025 summit emphasizes a strategic pivot—thinking beyond raw exports to invest in value addition, local manufacturing of battery components, solar technology, fertilizers, metals, and developing clean, reliable energy solutions across communities .
