The President of the West Africa Federation of Chambers of Mines (EFEDCOM), Adama Soro has called for regional cooperation to unlock the full potential of West Africa’s mining sector.
Addressing the EFEDCOM General Assembly, Soro highlighted the critical need for synergy among member countries to transform the subregion into a global leader in sustainable and inclusive mining.
“West Africa stands as a beacon of opportunity in the global mining landscape,” the President stated. “Blessed with abundant natural resources, our subregion has the potential to lead the world in sustainable mining practices, economic transformation, and community empowerment. Yet, despite our shared ambitions, we lack true synergy.”
Soro acknowledged the frameworks provided by regional bodies such as ECOWAS and WAEMU but emphasized that their impact on the mining sector remains underwhelming due to fragmented efforts and missed opportunities for collaboration.
The President underscored the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric to implementation, proposing key focus areas to achieve regional integration.
He called for the creation of a unified regulatory framework across West Africa to attract investment and reduce operational uncertainties. “Each country currently drafts its own legislation, often restricting cooperation even with neighbouring nations,” he said. “Let us work with ECOWAS and WAEMU to develop a mining legislation model that inspires and guides our individual countries.”
Recognizing the untapped potential of neighbouring countries, Soro advocated for policies that leverage regional expertise, supply chains, and investments to strengthen local content across borders.
The President emphasized the need for a regional strategy to manage Artisanal Small-Scale Mining operations, which often span borders, to ensure sustainable development and better control of the sector.
To encourage cross-border investment, he proposed innovative financial instruments and partnerships, including the creation of a dedicated mechanism on the regional stock exchange to fund mining projects.
Soro highlighted the need for a flagship event representing the entire region, akin to global platforms like Mining Indaba or PDAC, to showcase West Africa’s potential and attract global stakeholders.
Drawing comparisons, the President cited examples of successful regional collaboration worldwide. “Asia’s ASEAN, Russia’s energy strategies, and Latin America’s MERCOSUR demonstrate the power of synergy,” he noted, urging West Africa to follow suit.
The President positioned EFEDCOM as the driver of this transformative agenda, capable of bridging gaps between public and private sectors and championing policies that reflect the region’s shared vision.
“West Africa’s mining sector stands at a crossroads. Will we continue to walk separate paths, or will we join hands to build a future defined by cooperation, resilience, and shared prosperity? The choice is ours to make, and the time to act is now,” he said.
He concluded with a call for unity, urging attendees to leave the General Assembly with actionable plans that would not only enhance the region’s mining industry but also ensure a legacy of cooperation and prosperity for future generations.
This landmark speech sets the stage for what could be a transformative era in West Africa’s mining sector, reinforcing the importance of collective action in realizing the region’s vast potential.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that West Africa is not only rich in resources but also wealthy of its people who cooperate and walk hand in hand together. Together, we can transform our subregion into a global leader in sustainable and inclusive mining and I am confident that EFEDCOM has the power to do so,” he added.
