Udeh Announces African Raw Materials Summit for 2026

Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, announced the African Raw Materials Summit during a media briefing in Abuja. The summit is set for 19-20 October 2026, themed “From African Feedstock to African Factory.” It will gather Ministers responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation, industry leaders, researchers, and investors from across Africa to address challenges in the raw materials sector.

Dr. Udeh emphasized the importance of collaboration, performance assessment, and peer learning to enhance value addition. The summit aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange experiences and develop coordinated responses to challenges in the raw materials value chain.

He noted the need for African countries to invest in local processing and manufacturing rather than exporting raw materials unprocessed. The overarching goal is to strengthen Africa's capacity to transform its resources into high-value products, promoting sustainable economic growth and unlocking the continent's potential.