By Dorah Nesoba
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.
They were speaking in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during a mineral forum that brought together media stakeholders, policymakers, industry experts, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Chiza Charles Newton Chiumya, the AUC’s Acting Director for Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, noted that these statutes serve as essential tools for enhancing industrial policymaking and directing focus towards 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.
His 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 minerals 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 their ratification is essential for consolidating efforts towards achieving sustainable minerals development across Africa.
The AMDC, established as a Specialized Agency of the AU, 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.
On his part, Francis Mihayo, Assistant Commissioner of Mines Tanzania, 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 AMV.
The forum started on Wednesday April 24 and ends on Friday April 26, 2024 with the aim of to shaping a progressive, sustainable, and equitable strategy for ASM in Africa.
