Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has commended stakeholders across Africa for their commitment to transforming the continent’s vast natural resources into catalysts for economic growth and industrial development.

Speaking at the closing session of the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026) in Abuja, Alake expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement, collaboration, and partnerships that emerged during the summit.

He noted that several agreements and partnerships were initiated during the event, describing them as evidence that the summit is producing practical outcomes capable of advancing Africa’s resource development agenda.

The minister stressed that the focus must now shift from discussions and commitments to implementation, ensuring that ideas and memoranda of understanding signed during the summit are translated into concrete projects.

According to him, the ultimate measure of the summit’s success will be the tangible benefits delivered through investments, industrial development, job creation, and value addition across the continent.

Alake emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among African countries, investors, and industry stakeholders to maximise the benefits of the continent’s natural resources and promote long-term economic prosperity.

He expressed optimism that the partnerships forged at AFNIS 2026 would contribute significantly to Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation in the years ahead.