South Sudan supports the African Minerals Strategy following the adoption of the Abuja Charter.
Juba affirms its commitment to continental cooperation to maximize the benefits from mineral resources.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
The Minister of Mining confirmed South SudanLusoba Lodoro Wongo, his country’s readiness to support the new continental strategy for mineral resource governance, following the official ratification of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) charter in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
South Sudan supports the African Minerals Strategy following the adoption of the Abuja Charter.
The charter was adopted during an official ceremony held at the presidential palace in Abuja, in the presence of a number of African leaders and ministers, in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation between African countries in the management and development of the continent's mineral resources.
It is expected that the African Minerals Strategy Group will contribute to strengthening coordination among the mining policies of member states, encouraging manufacturing and value-adding processes for mineral resources, as well as supporting strategic investments in the mining sector, thereby ensuring that African mineral wealth is used to create jobs, develop infrastructure, and achieve comprehensive economic transformation.
Juba affirms its commitment to continental cooperation to maximize the benefits from mineral resources.
The summit was held under the slogan «One Africa, One Vision for Resources,» with the participation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, who signed the document ratifying the group’s charter and assumed the presidency of the General Assembly of Heads of State of the African Minerals Strategy Group.
In his speech during the ceremony, the Minister of Mining in South Sudan expressed his country’s full support for the continental initiative, stressing the importance of uniting African efforts in managing mineral resources.
Wongo said the summit's slogan reflects a reality that is becoming increasingly important in light of current global economic challenges, stressing that the future of minerals in Africa cannot be achieved through fragmentation and division.
He added that the continent's natural resources should be directly reflected in the lives of citizens, by providing job opportunities for young people, enhancing economic opportunities, and improving basic services.
He explained that local communities should benefit from resource development projects by accessing education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and clean drinking water, stressing that sustainable development should be the primary goal of exploiting natural resources.
The minister reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to the common continental agenda, saying that his country is ready to contribute to achieving the unified African vision, expressing his confidence in the ability of African countries to achieve their goals through cooperation and joint action.
For their part, other officials participating in the ceremony stressed the importance of regional cooperation to ensure that the continent’s natural resources are used to their fullest potential, by promoting local manufacturing and adopting sustainable mining practices that support long-term economic growth.
It is expected that the African Minerals Strategy Group will form a key platform for coordination, technical cooperation and mobilization of investments in the African mining sector in the coming years, contributing to maximizing the added value of mineral resources and transforming them into a major driver of economic development in the continent.
