Critical Minerals: African Ministers To Hold Second Conference In New York

Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) will host its Second High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa on 22nd September, 2025 in Manhattan, New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as event chair, will convene the roundtable alongside Dr Oladele Henry Alake, chairman of the AMSG and minister of solid minerals development, and Moses Micheal Engadu, secretary-general of the AMSG held under the theme, “Forging a Common African Voice, Advancing Global Partnerships”, the event is expected to bring together African heads of state, ministers, multilateral institutions, and global private sector leaders to address the continent’s increasingly strategic role in the global critical minerals value chain..

The second edition follows the success of the inaugural roundtable held in 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

At that event, President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered a keynote speech stressing Africa’s potential for self-sufficiency through its vast mineral wealth, without reliance on foreign aid. Representatives from Malawi, Sierra Leone, the UAE, Turkey, Italy, and Liberia also participated.

According to organisers, this year’s event will deepen policy dialogue and reinforce commitments made during the first gathering, advancing Africa’s position as a vital partner in the global minerals economy.

“Africa’s critical minerals are not just a resource; they are the foundation of global sustainable development and a catalyst for our continent’s industrialisation,” said Secretary-General Engadu.

“This high-level roundtable is vital in harmonising African policies, mobilising capital, and ensuring that mineral wealth directly benefits African citizens. It also fosters responsible and transparent global partnerships.”

The event will feature participation from AMSG member state ministers, international institutions, and leading executives from the global mining, technology, logistics, and traceability industries.

The roundtable is being held in partnership with Core International, a strategic supporter of the AMSG.

“Core International is proud to support this crucial platform,” said Suleiman Zakari, managing partner at Core International.

“This roundtable allows private sector leaders to move beyond rhetoric and form impactful partnerships. Past events at AFNIS, the Future Minerals Forum, and the UNGA have shown that AMSG delivers results.

“We call on global industry stakeholders to participate and turn meaningful dialogue into measurable action.”

Established in January 2024 by African ministers of mining, the Africa Minerals Strategy Group is an intergovernmental organisation and continental specialised agency focused on critical minerals development. It serves as Africa’s primary platform for policy coordination, investment alignment, and international engagement in the minerals sector.

Its mission is to ensure African ownership and leadership in the global minerals economy, particularly in support of the energy transition and sustainable development.