Conference Agenda

Discussion Points

• What investment-grade geological datasets, mapping programmes and digital geoscience infrastructure are required to position Nigeria as a preferred destination for exploration investment?
• What skills, technical capabilities, and industry partnerships are needed to support exploration programmes and convert discoveries into viable mining projects?
• How can internationally recognised exploration, resource definition and reporting standards help convert Nigeria's mineral potential into investment-ready mining projects?
• Beyond geology, what are the key factors investors evaluate before committing exploration capital, and what must Nigeria do to improve project bankability?
• How can secure mineral titles, transparent licensing processes, and regulatory certainty improve investor confidence and accelerate exploration activity in Nigeria?

Discussion Points

• What must be in a project data room for AFC, DFIs, private equity firms, and institutional investors to consider a Nigerian mining project investment-ready?
• What makes a mining project bankable from a commercial lender's perspective, and how can Nigerian mining companies improve access to capital?
• How can Nigeria strengthen its investment climate and attract a more diversified pool of international mining investors?
• Beyond project economics, what are the key factors global investors evaluate before committing capital to exploration and junior mining projects?
• How can strategic partnerships, alternative financing models, and private capital accelerate the development of Nigeria's mining sector?

Discussion Points

• What lessons can Nigeria learn from the development and operation of commercial gold mining projects when building sustainable mineral value chains and downstream industries?
• What policy, trade, and private-sector partnerships are required to accelerate beneficiation, manufacturing, and industrialisation across Nigeria's mining sector?
• How can international partnerships, technology transfer, and integrated value-chain development help Nigeria move from extraction to advanced mineral processing and manufacturing?
• What will it take to transform Nigeria from a raw materials exporter into a value-added industrial economy, and what role should local processing and beneficiation play in achieving this goal?

Discussion Points

• As global markets compete for critical minerals supply, how can Nigeria position itself as a preferred destination for investment, innovation, and resource security within emerging energy and industrial value chains?
• As demand for critical minerals accelerates, what must emerging mining jurisdictions like Nigeria do to attract long-term investment and position themselves as trusted partners within global critical mineral supply chains?
• What international partnerships, policy frameworks, and industry collaborations are required to connect Nigeria's critical minerals sector to global supply chains and downstream industries?
• What do global lithium producers, refiners, battery manufacturers, and OEMs need to see before committing to long-term partnerships and offtake agreements in emerging lithium jurisdictions?

Discussion Points

• What are the key market trends, demand forecasts, and supply chain shifts that will influence where Nigeria can compete within the global battery minerals industry over the next decade?
• How can Nigerian projects improve laboratory capabilities, quality assurance processes, and technical standards to meet the specifications required by international buyers and processors?
• What practical steps are required to move critical minerals projects from exploration success to commercially viable operations capable of supplying global battery, magnet, and advanced manufacturing markets?
• How can Nigeria strengthen export readiness, international market access, and trade partnerships to position critical minerals as a major non-oil export opportunity?
• How are buyer expectations around traceability, responsible sourcing, ESG performance, and supply-chain transparency evolving, and what must Nigerian critical minerals projects do to remain competitive in global battery markets?

Discussion Points

• How can Nigeria build a skilled, professional gemstone ecosystem by developing lapidary training, certification programmes, and entrepreneurship opportunities across the value chain?
• What lessons can Nigeria learn from Tanzania's gemstone sector in formalising mining activities, increasing local beneficiation, and ensuring greater participation of women and communities in the industry?
• How can Nigeria create stronger linkages between gemstone miners, cutters, polishers, jewellery manufacturers, and international buyers to build a competitive domestic gemstone industry?

Discussion Points

• What lessons can Nigeria learn from Botswana's mining governance model to create a more predictable, investor-friendly, and globally competitive mining jurisdiction?
• What policy, regulatory, and industry-led reforms have been most effective in attracting mining investment into Ghana, and how can those lessons be applied in Nigeria?
• How can transparency, data disclosure, reporting standards, and stakeholder accountability strengthen investor confidence and improve governance across Nigeria's mining sector?

Discussion Points

• What practical steps can mining companies take to build and maintain trust with host communities from exploration through to mine closure?
• How can companies embed inclusion, governance, and community participation into their ESG strategies to create more sustainable development outcomes?
• How are investor expectations around social performance and community engagement evolving, and what does this mean for mining companies seeking long-term investment and social license to operate?

Discussion Points

• What international best practices and financing models can help emerging mining jurisdictions develop reliable, sustainable power solutions to support mining operations and downstream industrialisation?
• What infrastructure, logistics, and project development challenges must be addressed to transform mineral discoveries into commercially viable mining operations and industrial corridors?
• How can infrastructure, logistics networks, and global supply-chain partnerships improve the bankability, competitiveness, and market access of Nigeria's mining projects?
• How can regional logistics corridors, inland waterways, and maritime transport networks reduce costs, improve market access, and support mining-led industrialisation across West and Central Africa?

Discussion Points

• What are the key gaps preventing Africa from developing a fully integrated gold value chain, from production and refining through to trading, investment, and market access?
• How can artisanal and small-scale miners be better integrated into formal, transparent, and commercially viable gold ecosystems that create value for producers, governments, and investors?
• What infrastructure, standards, partnerships, and certification mechanisms are required to strengthen confidence in African gold and improve access to regional and international markets?
• How can Africa grow domestic demand for gold through jewellery manufacturing, local refining, investment products, and stronger intra-African trade while positioning gold as both a financial and cultural asset?

Discussion Points

• What financing and investment models are needed to support the growth of Africa's gold industry, from exploration and production through to refining, trading, and downstream value addition?
• How can formal finance, responsible sourcing frameworks, and stronger trading ecosystems help integrate artisanal and small-scale miners into regulated and investable gold markets?
• What role should banks, DFIs, refiners, traders, and strategic investors play in building transparent, efficient, and competitive gold markets across Africa?
• How can gold be positioned not only as a traded commodity, but also as a financial asset through investment products, savings instruments, and market structures that retain more value within African economies?
• Speakers: Representative, Africa Gold Council
• Representative, Africa Finance Corporation
• Representative, SANU-Kian Smith
• Representative, Alt Bank Nigeria
• Moderator: Habeeb Jaiyeola, Head Mining & Partner, PwC Nigeria

Discussion Points

• How can Nigeria align iron-ore supply, power, and logistics to restart and grow integrated steel?
• Which policy levers reduce raw-ore exports while boosting domestic steel production?
• What did India/Egypt/South Africa do right that Nigeria can adapt immediately?
• Speakers: Director, Ajaokuta Steel Mill
• Mr. Ime Ekrikpo, Director, Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment, Ministry of Steel Development
• Engr. Isinmidun Loto, Sole Administrator, National Iron Ore Mining Company

Discussion Points

• How can ECA, DFI, PPP, and private-sector financing models support the development of integrated steel, industrial mineral, and quarrying projects in Nigeria?
• How should Nigerian steel and industrial mineral producers prepare for evolving international requirements such as the EU CBAM and growing demand for lower-carbon industrial products?
• Which regional trade frameworks, including ECOWAS and AfCFTA, can help unlock new markets and strengthen local manufacturing value chains?
• How can quarrying and aggregate operations support major infrastructure, rail, port, and industrial corridor developments across Nigeria?
• What operational, environmental, and community engagement practices are required to ensure sustainable quarrying and industrial mineral production?
• How can producers improve logistics planning and supply chain coordination to meet the growing demand for aggregates, ballast, steel inputs, and industrial minerals?