Dr Kelvin Anderson (Deputy Director-General), Mohamed Bah (Director, DPMT), and Salieu Bah (NMA PMT Manager)—proudly represented Sierra Leone at the Angola International Mining Conference 2025 (AIMC 2025) in Luanda, to “Celebrate 50 Years of Independence: The Future of Mining in Angola Starts Here”.
Sierra Leone Shines on the Continental Stage
Minister Mattai, in his capacity as the current Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) and as the Guest Minister, delivered a message of hope and ambition, extending “very 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.” He called the gathering a “landmark” and reaffirmed: “Today, we unite not as competitors, but as partners and pioneers on a journey that will define Angola’s and Africa’s global mining legacy for generations to come”.
Minister Mattai, alongside Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas (MIREMPET), Diamantino Azevedo, toured AIMC’s world-class exhibition, exploring groundbreaking mining technologies, networking with industry leaders, and fostering new partnerships to drive responsible and innovative growth in Africa’s mineral sector. The Sierra Leone delegation engaged with operators, policy shapers, equipment suppliers, investors, and advocates committed to advancing sustainable mining practices and ensuring the full participation of African communities in the value chain.
Vision for African Mining Transformation
Minister Mattai’s address outlined a bold Pan-African vision, stating: “Through deep reforms and strategic innovation, our nations are building inclusive governance and implementation mechanisms that empower citizens, expand opportunity, and bring all stakeholders to the table.” He highlighted Africa’s shared responsibility “to transform from a raw material exporter into a value-adding continent by leveraging its natural resources for industrialization, economic diversification and improved local content”.
He urged delegates to embrace this historical moment to “rewrite the narrative, based on transparency, inclusivity, and long-term vision,” calling for “a future marked not only by deeper integration, but by an African mining sector that thrives with global competitiveness, sustainability, and dignity for all”.
Lessons and Calls to Action for Sierra Leone
As Sierra Leone prepares for the second edition of the Sierra Leone Mining Week in April 2026, three powerful lessons arise from the AIMC 2025 experience:
- Break Barriers and Innovate Boldly: Let Sierra Leone pioneer reforms that empower communities and generate lasting prosperity. “Let us pledge…to transform Angola’s and Africa’s mining sector through regional integration and innovative, people-centered approaches”.
- Foster Regional Collaboration and Shared Value: Forge partnerships and “lay the groundwork for sustainable, resilient growth,” harnessing both technology and local expertise.
- Champion Ethical, Transparent Governance: Sierra Leone must “learn from missed opportunities and inadequate partnerships,” committing to governance that delivers benefits across every link of the value chain.
Minister Mattai’s inspiring charge to the continent resonates: “Angola’s moment is now. Africa’s moment is now. Together, let us make history.”