On the sidelines of the Ministerial Roundtable at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2024, a historic alliance was born; the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG). The group, an offshoot of the Super Region initiative, was created as a high-level collaborative gathering to advance Africa’s mineral sector. Now, as it celebrates its one-year anniversary, AMSG reflects on a year of transformative progress and strengthened partnerships.

The group’s formation reinforces FMF’s position as a platform that fosters collaboration, integrating people, mineral-rich countries, and ideas across different divides to drive a new era and progress Africa’s minerals agenda.

Commemorating the group on its first anniversary, H.E. Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, explained that facilitating international cooperation in the mining and minerals sector among African member nations is a step in the right direction, which will bring about socio-economic transformation and prosperity in the region.

 “The Future Minerals Forum remains a key platform for collaboration, helping bridge divides, driving meaningful change, and uniting people to create a resilient supply of minerals for the global economy. Our commitment to providing a voice for underrepresented regions is reflected in the launch of AMSG—a critical step in ensuring Africa’s mineral wealth contributes to long-term prosperity and socio-economic transformation.” Khalid added.

As part of its mandate, AMSG was constituted to;

• Promote exploration, extraction, production, local beneficiation (value addition), and commercialization;
• Ensure a sustainable, transparent, and secure supply of critical minerals, while protecting the environment;
• Improve the quality of life of the African population;
• Drive socio-economic transformation and prosperity of Africa; and  
• Support the global energy transition.

The group operates an inclusive leadership model, where decisions are reached through consensus, ensuring broad participation and buy-in from all members. H.E. Moses Micheal Engadu, Secretary-General of AMSG, says, “AMSG runs under a robust steering committee defined by inclusivity and shared responsibility principles. Its rotating chair structure ensures all member nations have a voice in shaping its direction.” Nigeria currently holds the chair, with H.E. Dr. Oladele Henry Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, providing strategic oversight.

The AMSG comprises 16 founding members—Botswana, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—as well as 14 prospective members: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Senegal, and Sudan.

One Year of Shaping Africa’s Mineral Narrative

In its first year, AMSG has set ambitious goals and taken concrete steps toward achieving them. The group convened four major ministerial meetings, including one at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, where it reiterated Africa’s indispensable role in the energy transition.

Another significant milestone was the launch of the Africa Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiative (ARMSI) at the Dubai Precious Metals Conference in November 2024. This initiative seeks to ensure transparency, traceability, and ethical sourcing in Africa’s mineral supply chains.

Notable initiatives launched by AMSG include the Africa Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiative (ARMSI), introduced at the Dubai Precious Metals Conference, and the Madini Protocol, a blockchain platform for traceability and ethical sourcing. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to transparency and sustainability and align with global best practices.

Reflecting on these achievements, Engadu said, “As we celebrate our first anniversary, we are proud of the strides made in aligning our efforts toward a sustainable and equitable future for Africa’s mineral sector.”

Looking ahead, AMSG is focused on advancing technology, improving infrastructure, and creating opportunities to ensure Africa’s mineral resources drive sustainable development, while strengthening its partnership with countries like Saudi Arabia and other leading minerals nations.

A Gathering of Impact

The Future Minerals Forum, which served as the launchpad for AMSG in 2024, will continue its global drive on the mineral agenda. With its fourth edition held in January this year, the Forum hosted the world’s largest government-led gathering of senior officials and industry leaders in the minerals sector.

Its Ministerial Roundtable convened over 85 governments, including 16 nations from the G20, 50 ministers, 13 vice ministers, 50 international organizations, and top mining industry leaders. This high-level gathering leads global action to address the increasing demand for critical minerals, foster international collaboration, and unlock opportunities in the Super Region of Africa, Western, and Central Asia.

Register Now for the Future Minerals Forum: Maximising the Value of Africa's Mineral Wealth

Join industry leaders and policymakers at the Future Minerals Forum as they explore Africa's critical role in the global minerals supply chain. Under the theme "Without Africa, There Can Be No Minerals," the high-level panel will discuss strateagic approaches to sustainable extraction, production, and commercialisation, driven by the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which was formed a year ago. Key topics include policy uniformity, responsible resource management, and the implementation of blockchain technology for transparent supply chains.

The forum will also highlight Nigeria's leadership in ending exploitative practices, Saudi Arabia's establishment of mining corridors to support its energy transition, and the unveiling of the 2025 Responsible Sourcing Guidelines. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in discussions that shape the future of Africa's mineral wealth and its influence on global mineral policy. Register now – click here