By Sharon Akuboh, Abuja
ABUJA — Preparations are gathering momentum for the 2026 Raw Materials Summit, organised around the theme “From African Feedstock to African Factory,” as stakeholders intensify calls for greater investment in local raw materials processing, industrial development and economic transformation across the continent.
The summit, scheduled for October 19–20, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, manufacturers, investors and other stakeholders to explore strategies for transforming Africa’s abundant natural resources into finished products.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has expressed support for the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), commending the Council’s efforts to promote local content development, strengthen indigenous industries and advance the utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials.
The FCT Chapter of NAWOJ noted that the summit provides an important platform for discussions on reducing dependence on imported finished products, creating employment opportunities, supporting local manufacturers and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the African industrial landscape.
The association also emphasised the critical role of women in industrial development, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, research, entrepreneurship and the processing of locally available resources. It called for deliberate policies that would enable women-owned businesses to access finance, technology, training and investment opportunities.
With the countdown to the summit underway, expectations are high that discussions will produce practical recommendations for strengthening collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, private-sector operators and investors. Such partnerships, stakeholders believe, are essential to bridging the gap between raw material production and value-added manufacturing.
NAWOJ FCT further stressed the importance of public awareness and responsible media engagement in communicating the objectives of the summit and highlighting opportunities within Nigeria’s raw materials sector. It reaffirmed the media’s responsibility to promote informed conversations about industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable development.
As the summit approaches, the association expressed optimism that the gathering would contribute to a stronger framework for turning Africa’s natural resources into industrial wealth, while supporting the RMRDC’s drive towards a more productive, competitive and self-reliant Nigerian economy.
The management and Editorial Team of Weekenders magazine Hails the efforts and collaboration of NAWOJ with RMRDC.