By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The National President, Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) Hon. Janet Adeyemi, says the group is keying into the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) for inclusive and sustainable development of Africa’s rich mineral resources sector.
The WIMIN President who stated this while delivering her speech at the just concluded Gold & Gemstones Conference & Exhibitions in Lagos, lamented that over the years the fortunes of the sector which was a major sustainer of the Nigerian economy at some point plummeted to the paltry contribution to Gross Domestic Product, GDP, it is known for at present.
In her speech made available to SUMMIT POST NEWS, Adeyemi said in the quest to address the challenges militating against the sector’s sustainable growth, “we turn to the Africa Mining Vision (AMV), is a meticulously crafted blueprint, designed to orchestrate the inclusive and sustainable development of Africa’s mineral resources sector.
“It serves as a conduit for broad-based growth and socio-economic transformation. The AMV advocates for local value addition, maximizing the sector’s potential for broad-based economic and social development”.
Lamenting further that Africa in her quest for decolonisation then, also witnessed a global downturn in metal intensity of use, coupled with unfavorable policy landscapes and plummeting prices that thwarted all efforts at integrating the mineral sector into local economies, Adeyemi said growing global consciousness regarding ethically sourced metals and gemstones, presents a renewed opportunity.
“The Gold and Gemstone Conference serves as a lynchpin in our collective endeavor to fulfill the AMV and propel the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, agenda.
“Within this dynamic forum, stakeholders converge to engage in collaborative endeavors. This unity aligns with the essence of the AMV, fostering an environment where shared knowledge and expertise bridge gaps and facilitate informed policy dialogues.
“By enhancing the visibility of Africa as a hub for gemstone and jewelry production, the Gold and Gemstone Conference attracts international dealers and jewellers. This influx of interest and investment further amplifies our mission of sustainable development and economic growth.
“Through the coordinated event calendar, initiated by this conference, we strive for coherence and focus, aligning our efforts to maximise the collective impact of our industry initiatives,” the WIMIN helmswoman concluded.