By: Ethiopian monitor

Organized by the African Union or AU’s African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), the third edition of the forum held last week at the AU Commission’s headquarters brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, civil society, academia, artisanal and small-scale miners.

The AU says the key takeaway from the AFM was the reaffirmation of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) as the guiding framework for the continent’s mineral resource governance. Sixteen years after its adoption, the AMV’s achievements were highlighted, particularly in policy development, geological and mineral information systems, support for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and promoting minerals-based industrialization.

The participants emphasized the importance of reliable geological data for informed decision-making, with the African Green Minerals Observatory and the African Mineral Resource Classification and Management System (AMREC-PARC) identified as critical tools for harmonizing geological information and improving mineral governance.

They also stressed the need for a unified digital platform for geological data sharing and increased investment in geological mapping to support these efforts.

New African Green Minerals Strategy

A major milestone at the forum was the launch of the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS), a fundamental step in advancing Africa’s industrialization and electrification through green minerals.

The strategy seeks to position Africa not just as a supplier of raw materials but as a hub for green industrialization and value addition.

Mrs. Ron Osman, Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism (IMET) at the AU Commission, pointed to the need for Africa to take control of its mineral wealth.

“Africa holds the key to the world’s ambitions for a just energy transition. Our continent is endowed with an unparalleled abundance of critical green minerals,” she noted.

“However, the challenge lies in transforming this potential into equitable, sustainable growth for Africa while contributing to global progress.”

“The African Green Minerals Strategy presents a unique opportunity for us to take control of our resources, move up the value chain, and drive industrialization for our people’s prosperity.”

An African Critical Minerals Diplomacy

The other key outcome of the forum was a call for the AU to launch a High-Level African Critical Minerals Diplomacy to ensure that the continent benefits from the surging global demand for critical green minerals.

The proposed diplomacy aims to strengthen continental coordination, enhance Africa’s bargaining power, and ensure that mineral agreements prioritize local value addition over raw material exports. It also seeks to promote responsible investment, transparency, and sustainability, safeguard environmental integrity and community rights, and establish strategic global partnerships that align with Africa’s development goals.

In her closing remarks, Interim Director of AU-AMDC Dr. Marit Kitaw emphasized the urgency of translating discussions into action. She also urged African governments to implement the forum’s recommendations, strengthen institutional frameworks, and invest in mining sector industrialization.

“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,” Dr. Kitaw said. “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.”

The forum concluded with a commitment to developing a strategic roadmap for the next decade to guide AMV implementation, strengthen regional collaboration, and ensure that Africa’s mineral wealth drives economic transformation for the benefit of all Africans.