By Dorah Nesoba
Nairobi, Kenya: Representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC) have called upon member states to prioritize the ratification of the Statutes of the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), emphasizing its crucial role in advancing minerals development across the continent.
During a recent address, Mr. Chiza Charles Newton Chiumya, the African Union Commission’s Acting Director for Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, conveyed a clear message to AU member states regarding the importance of ratifying the AMDC Statutes. He emphasized that these statutes serve as essential tools for enhancing industrial policymaking and directing focus toward the opportunities that lie within industrialization.
“These tools are going to greatly enhance our industrial policymaking as well as help to bring in the required focus that industrialization needs both from policymakers as well as the private sector, who will now clearly see where the continent has opportunities,” stated Chiumya during his address.
Chiumya’s remarks echoed the sentiments of AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry Albert Muchanga, whom he was representing at the event. Muchanga has long been an advocate for the ratification of the AMDC Statutes, recognizing its significance in driving mineral development and economic growth on the continent.
Furthermore, Chiumya urged member states that have not yet ratified the Statutes to do so promptly, highlighting the critical role that the AMDC plays in the continent’s quest for minerals development. He emphasized that the ratification of these Statutes is essential for consolidating efforts toward achieving sustainable mineral development across Africa.
“At this juncture, let me pause and call upon all AU member states that are yet to do so, to ratify the Statutes of the African Minerals Development Centre. This is very key in our quest for Mineral development in the Continent,” urged Chiumya.
The AMDC, established as a Specialized Agency of the African Union, is tasked with coordinating the implementation and domestication of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) by AU member states. By ratifying the Statutes of the AMDC, member states will demonstrate their commitment to advancing minerals development, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
As African countries continue to strive towards industrialization and economic diversification, the ratification of the AMDC Statutes stands as a crucial step towards harnessing the continent’s mineral resources for the benefit of its people. With the support of AU member states, the AMDC can fulfill its mandate and contribute significantly to Africa’s socio-economic development.
In a historic gathering of media stakeholders, policymakers, industry experts, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa, a pivotal planning session unfolded, signaling a new chapter in the continent’s mining sector.
Led by distinguished figures like Mr. Francis Mihayo, Assistant Commissioner of Mines Tanzania, Mr. Chiza Charles Newton Chiumya, the African Union Commission’s Acting Director for Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, and Mr. Lister Balegele, Secretary General of The Federation of Miners’ Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), alongside artisanal and small-scale miners themselves, the event aimed to shape a progressive, sustainable, and equitable strategy for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Africa.
Addressing participants, Mr. Francis Mihayo expressed gratitude to the host country and partners for facilitating the gathering. He underscored the importance of the ASM sector in driving rural livelihoods, stimulating entrepreneurship, and promoting integrated national and regional development, as outlined in the African Mining Vision.
The forum started on Wednesday, April 24, and will end on Friday, April 26, 2024, at a hotel in Dareesalam, Tanzania.
