South Sudan Ratifies Africa Minerals Cooperation Agreement

(ABUJA, NIGERIA) – South Sudan has pledged full support for a new continent-wide minerals strategy after the Africa Minerals Strategy Group Charter was formally ratified in Abuja, Nigeria.

The ratification ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, where Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the instrument of ratification and assumed the role of Chairperson of the AMSG Heads of State General Assembly.

South Sudan’s Minister of Mining, Losuba Ludoru Wongo, attended the ceremony alongside the Undersecretary Deng Makuok Duyak and a senior delegation. The minister stated that South Sudan is ready to back the continental initiative and called for unity in managing Africa’s mineral wealth.

The minister said Africa’s mineral future cannot proceed through fragmentation, adding that a divided Africa is a failed Africa. He stressed that the continent’s resources must deliver tangible benefits to citizens, including jobs for young people, schools, health services, roads, electricity and clean water.

At the same ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Oladele took the Chairperson role of the AMSG Ministerial Steering Committee, while Moses Michael Engadu became the first Secretary-General of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.

The AMSG is expected to improve policy coordination, promote value addition and support investment in the mining sector. The aim is to ensure Africa’s mineral wealth contributes to job creation, infrastructure development and wider economic transformation.

The Abuja events were held under the theme “One Africa, One Resource Vision” and brought together leaders, investors and policymakers from across the continent to discuss opportunities in the extractive and energy sectors.

The South Sudanese delegation had been in Nigeria for several days.

On 22 June, the group paid a courtesy visit to the South Sudan Embassy in Abuja, where they were received by Deputy Ambassador Sisto Paulino Ladu. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in mining and natural resources.

On 23 June, the delegation attended the AMSG Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in Abuja. The meeting brought together ministers and industry leaders to discuss sustainable mineral development, regional collaboration and value addition.

The summit opened on 24 June with a key address by Minister Wongo, who spoke about harnessing Africa’s natural resources to drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen regional partnerships.

He added that the summit provided a platform for countries to showcase investment opportunities in mining, oil, gas and renewable energy.

The delegation returned to Juba on 27 June and was received at Juba International Airport by Ministry of Mining staff.