The Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) has thrown its weight behind Africa’s renewed drive to accelerate development in the gold and gemstone value chain, describing it as a catalyst for sustainable growth and economic diversification across the continent.
WIMIN National President, Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, stated this yesterday in Abuja, noting that Africa’s gold and gemstone sector remains largely untapped despite its vast potential. She said several regional initiatives—particularly the Africa Gemstone and Jewelry Exhibition and Conference (AGJEC)—are already positioning the continent to harness this potential more effectively.
According to her, the Africa Mineral Development Centre (AMDC), through AGJEC, is deepening cross-country collaboration aimed at boosting local beneficiation, enhancing inclusivity, and creating long-term value within the minerals sector.
Adeyemi explained that WIMIN’s annual Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE) serves as Nigeria’s flagship contribution to the continental agenda. The platform brings together governments, investors, women, youth, and artisanal miners to shape the future of Africa’s mineral economy through innovation and sustainability.
She said the conference is dedicated to supporting the AMDC’s value addition mandate by driving dialogue, building partnerships, and strengthening frameworks for ethical and gender-responsive mineral development. The initiative also seeks to position Nigeria as a regional hub for gemstone processing, gold beneficiation, and responsible mineral trade.
“The GGCE equips women, youth, and artisanal miners with the skills and market linkages they need to participate actively in the jewelry and gemstone industry,” she said. She added that WIMIN is also fostering partnerships with public institutions, private investors, UN agencies, and the SDG office in Nigeria to advance sustainable mineral sector growth.
Adeyemi stressed the need for improved traceability, transparency, and ESG compliance to boost Africa’s credibility in global mineral markets.
Speaking on the 2025 edition of GGCE scheduled for November 26–28 in Lagos, Adeyemi said the event will deepen Africa’s commitment to beneficiation, equitable participation, and collaboration in line with the Africa Mining Vision (AMV). She stated that countries like Nigeria can transition from raw mineral exporters to centres of craftsmanship, innovation, and refined mineral trade.
“Nigeria’s vibrant gemstone ecosystem, youthful population, and increasing women participation position the country to drive transformative change,” she said. Through the GGCE, she added, Nigeria will continue showcasing local capacity and piloting gender-responsive models in artisanal and small-scale mining.
Adeyemi noted that the conference—launched in 2022—focuses on key thematic areas including policy and governance, women’s empowerment, youth innovation, sustainability and ESG, as well as trade and market access.
The 2025 conference, themed ‘Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gemstone Development in Africa’, is expected to further strengthen continental mineral governance and inspire more African women and youth to participate in value creation within the sector.
