ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (BG) – The African Union has called for urgent and unified action to harness the continent’s vast mineral resources for sustainable development and industrialization, according to a statement released Friday.

The call came at the conclusion of the 3rd African Forum on Mining, which brought together government officials, private sector leaders, civil society, and youth and women in mining to chart a path forward for Africa’s mineral sector.

Held from March 19 to 21 at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, the forum reaffirmed the Africa Mining Vision as the continent’s strategic framework for mineral governance.

Key outcomes included the launch of the African Green Minerals Strategy, a major step toward positioning Africa as a global hub for green mineral value addition and industrialization.

The forum highlighted the critical role of artisanal and small-scale mining in African economies, calling for the formalization of these activities and financing and support for mercury-free technologies and inclusive initiatives.

Participants also emphasized the importance of reliable geological data and more effective digital platforms to improve resource management.

One of the forum’s top proposals was for the AU to initiate a High-Level African Critical Minerals Diplomacy.

The proposed initiative aims to strengthen continental coordination, improve Africa’s bargaining position, and ensure local value addition in mineral agreements amid rising global demand for green minerals.

“Africa holds the key to the world’s ambitions for a just energy transition,” said Ron Osman, director of industry, minerals, entrepreneurship and tourism at the African Union Commission.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Marit Kitaw, Interim Director of AU’s African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), emphasized the urgency of translating discussions into action. 

“The African Mining Vision is our compass. The African Green Minerals Strategy is our roadmap. Now we need unified, high-level diplomacy to turn Africa’s resource wealth into real, lasting development,” she said.

The forum concluded with a commitment to develop a strategic roadmap for the next decade, focusing on implementing the Africa Mining Vision, enhancing regional collaboration, and ensuring that Africa’s mineral wealth fuels lasting, inclusive economic transformation.