By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
In a coordinated effort to reshape the mining sector across Africa, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) is expanding its grassroots presence through the establishment of national and community-based chapters serving as localised platforms for engagement.
According to a statement signed by Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji,
Executive Director, WiM-Africa, “from artisanal mining communities to academic institutions and youth networks, this expansion is opening up space for more inclusive participation in the extractive sector.
“Now present in over 36 African countries, WiM-Africa has evolved into one of the continent’s active gender-focused networks in mining and development.
“Its chapters are providing structured forums where women miners, students, cooperatives, civil society, and sector stakeholders work together to promote more equitable, accountable, and inclusive mining practices.
“Through this growing network, WiM-Africa is advancing its Seven-Point Agenda and its strategic focus areas, with particular interest on youth leadership, mineral value addition, digital advocacy, ESG, and safety.
These chapters function as operational arms for locally relevant activities and coordination—bridging the gap between continental policy goals and community-level realities.
“WiM-Africa’s chapter expansion model is increasingly referenced by development partners for its alignment with Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“By localising broader strategic goals, the platform enables practical engagement with communities while maintaining a common vision for gender equity in Africa’s mineral future.
“Chapters are currently live in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Namibia, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, South Sudan, and more—serving as hubs for action, research, and transformation. With each new chapter comes the potential to create safe mining zones, support women-led cooperatives, and promote responsible and inclusive governance at the grassroots.
“In the diaspora, new chapters are also emerging with a strong focus on trade, investment, and knowledge exchange—positioning African professionals abroad to contribute directly to local value chains, business linkages, and mineral sector innovation. These diaspora-led chapters are key to connecting global expertise with grassroots transformation”.
Speaking on the expansion, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji, stressed that the power of the movement lied in “its ability to decentralise leadership, ignite local action, and connect thousands of women and allies across borders with a unified voice”.
“To ensure effectiveness, WiM-Africa upholds clear standards on governance, gender balance, ethics, and reporting. Approved chapters benefit from structured orientation, implementation tools, and access to joint advocacy campaigns.
“New chapters are being launched regularly—including in diaspora communities—and Men Allyship Chapters are also being established as formal entry points for men committed to gender equity in the mining sector.
“These chapters, composed of up to 80% male membership, play a vital role in advancing WiM-Africa’s inclusive objectives by promoting respectful allyship, safe workplace cultures, and co-leadership models.
“From policy engagement to mentorship of women-led cooperatives, men are stepping forward as partners in building a more just and equitable mining industry.
“The Secretariat encourages women, youth, and professionals—regardless of gender—to explore opportunities for engagement by starting a chapter or connecting with their national focal point,” the statement noted.