President, Women in Mining, Nigeria (WIMIN) Engr. Janet Adeyemi (PhD), has said a robust implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be the catalyst needed to boost mining activities across Africa. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Gold and Gem Conference Exhibition (GGCE) and the 2nd Africa Gold Jewellery Exhibition Conference (AGJEC) in Lagos, Adeyemi expressed optimism about the future of Africa’s mining sector, noting that the AfCFTA has the potential to remove long-standing trade barriers and create seamless opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
“The AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa’s mining industry. By breaking down barriers and creating a unified market, we can unlock the immense potential of our mineral resources and drive economic growth that benefits all Africans,” she said. The conference, which brought together key stakeholders in Africa’s mining, gemstone, and jewellery industries, focused on building value chains that can elevate Africa’s position in the global market.
Adeyemi pointed out that the free trade agreement offers an unprecedented opportunity for African countries to collectively harness their mineral wealth and improve their competitive edge globally. According to Adeyemi, the integration of Africa’s mining sectors under the AfCFTA will encourage regional cooperation, increase capacity building, and spur industrialization. “With the free trade area in place, African nations can collaborate more effect.
