The African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) is set to return for its fourth edition from 15–17 July 2025, consolidating its reputation as Africa’s foremost cross-sectoral platform for resource-based development. Hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with strategic ministries—including Solid Minerals Development, Petroleum Resources, Power, Environment, Industry, Trade & Investment, and Finance—AFNIS 2025 will be guided by the theme: Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development.
The summit will be opened by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and led by the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake, who serves as the Chief Host. It builds upon the success of AFNIS 2024, which convened over 25 national delegations and featured leading institutions such as the African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, World Health Organization, Africa Finance Corporation, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). Industry heavyweights, including the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Ganfeng Lithium, Segilola Operating Resources Limited, and Matrix Energy Group, were also present.
AFNIS has grown in stature since its inception in 2022, emerging as a critical meeting point for high-level policy dialogues, investment partnerships, and intra-African collaboration. According to AFNIS Co-Chair Suleiman Zakari, the 2025 edition aims to be “the most impactful yet,” reflecting increased interest from financiers, policymakers, and private sector leaders.
This year’s summit seeks to transform Africa’s natural wealth into sustainable economic value, placing local content at the core of development strategies. The focus is not merely on resource extraction, but on catalysing domestic industries, refining capacity, and integrated supply chains. In particular, AFNIS 2025 is expected to attract considerable interest from stakeholders in mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, power generation, and finance—all critical to the continent’s growth trajectory.
The summit’s cross-sectoral format allows for a holistic approach rarely seen in resource-focused gatherings. Delegates will deliberate on policies to stimulate local manufacturing, build critical infrastructure, and unlock financing for African-led projects. One highlight will be the commissioning of a new lithium processing facility, a concrete step towards Africa’s positioning in the global energy transition.
AFNIS continues to be a catalyst for action. The 2024 summit facilitated the creation of Africans for Africa (AforA)—a Pan-African initiative to mobilise local capital and expertise. The AforA Fund will be formally launched at AFNIS 2025. In a parallel development, the Nigeria-SEforALL Critical Minerals partnership, conceived at last year’s edition, will culminate in the release of a Council-funded study and a major new project unveiling at the summit.
The agenda includes a High-Level Ministerial & CEO Retreat (14–15 July), a Strategic Policy Summit (16 July), and a Technical Day (17 July), where topics such as green economy integration, responsible sourcing, and domestic capital mobilisation will be explored. Notable among the attendees will be Prof Kevin Chika Urama, Vice-President and Chief Economist of the African Development Bank, who has been instrumental in framing Africa’s resource-finance nexus.
AFNIS 2025 serves not only as a forum for dialogue but also as a deal-making hub for investors seeking to shape Africa’s growth narrative. For financiers, it offers direct access to emerging projects and sectors underpinned by local content regulations. For policymakers, it provides a collaborative setting to harmonise strategies across borders and value chains.
The summit organisers have reiterated their commitment to fostering inclusive development that reflects Africa’s diversity and capacity. As Mr Zakari explains, “The silos between sectors and nations must be dismantled. AFNIS is about building those bridges.”
Individuals and organisations interested in speaking, attending, exhibiting, or partnering are encouraged to visit the official website afnisummit.com or contact the summit team via speak@afnisummit.com and media@c-imm.com.
AFNIS 2025 represents a vital opportunity to turn Africa’s untapped potential into shared prosperity, through the strength of its people, resources, and collaborative resolve.
