By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone made a powerful statement at the Angola International Mining Conference 2025 (AIMC 2025) in Luanda, with Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, leading a high-level delegation to advocate for regional collaboration, sustainable mining practices, and Africa’s transition from a raw material exporter to a value-adding economic powerhouse.
Minister Mattai was accompanied by an expert team from the National Minerals Agency (NMA), including Dr. Kelvin Anderson (Deputy Director-General), Mohamed Bah (Director of the DPMT), and Salieu Bah (NMA PMT Manager). The conference, held under the theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Independence: The Future of Mining in Angola Starts Here,” was a key event for showcasing Africa’s potential in the global mining sector.
In his role as Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) and as a guest minister at the event, Minister Mattai delivered an inspiring speech, extending “warm greetings from His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, and the spirited people of Sierra Leone where our diamonds may sparkle, but our smiles shine even brighter.”
Describing AIMC 2025 as a “landmark gathering,” he emphasized the need for African nations to unite as partners and pioneers in shaping the continent’s mining legacy for future generations.
Alongside Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Hon. Diamantino Azevedo, Minister Mattai toured the AIMC’s world-class exhibition, engaging with technology innovators, investors, and policymakers. The Sierra Leone delegation took advantage of the event to explore new partnerships and promote collaboration on responsible and innovative mining practices across Africa.
In his keynote address, Minister Mattai outlined a bold vision for Africa’s mining transformation. He called for comprehensive reforms, inclusive governance, and strategic innovation to empower citizens and create opportunities within the mining value chain.
He urged African nations to move beyond the export of raw materials, advocating for the development of local industries. “The time has come to leverage our natural resources to drive industrialization, economic diversification, and local content development,” he stated.
Minister Mattai further urged delegates to “seize this historic moment to rewrite the narrative, based on transparency, inclusivity, and a long-term vision,” emphasizing that Africa’s future depends on a mining sector grounded in sustainability, competitiveness, and dignity.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the second edition of Sierra Leone Mining Week in April 2026, the country’s participation in AIMC 2025 has provided valuable insights. Minister Mattai called for continued regional cooperation, innovation, and ethical governance, stressing the importance of building partnerships that empower local communities and ensure equitable benefits for all.
“Angola’s moment is now. Africa’s moment is now,” he concluded. “Together, let us make history.”
