The 3rd African Forum on Mining (AFM), held at the African Union Commission’s Headquarters from March 19 to 21, 2025, concluded with a resounding call for African nations to maximise their mineral wealth for sustainable development and industrialisation. Organised by the African Union’s African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), the forum convened government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders to discuss the continent’s mining future.
A major highlight was the reaffirmation of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) as the blueprint for mineral resource governance. Participants stressed the need for improved geological data, formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and greater investment in value addition. The launch of the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) was hailed as a pivotal step in positioning Africa as a global hub for green industrialisation.
The forum also called for a High-Level African Critical Minerals Diplomacy to enhance Africa’s bargaining power in the surging demand for green minerals. Officials urged accelerated political engagement to strengthen the AMDC’s legal framework and implementation capacity.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Marit Kitaw, interim director of AU-AMDC, emphasised the urgency of action, stating, “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.”
