The President of the West Africa Federation of Chambers of Mines (EFEDCOM), Adama Soro, has emphasized the need 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.
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. To address this, he proposed several key focus areas, including:
-Creating a Unified Regulatory Framework to attract investment and reduce operational uncertainties across West Africa.
– Leveraging Regional Expertise: to strengthen local content across borders and encourage cross-border investment.
– Developing a Regional Strategy: to manage Artisanal Small-Scale Mining operations and ensure sustainable development.
– Establishing Innovative Financial Instruments: to fund mining projects and encourage investment.
– Hosting a Flagship Event: to showcase West Africa’s potential and attract global stakeholders.
Soro drew comparisons with successful regional collaborations worldwide, such as Asia’s ASEAN, Russia’s energy strategies, and Latin America’s MERCOSUR.
He 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.
The President concluded with a call for unity, urging attendees to leave the General Assembly with actionable plans that would enhance the region’s mining industry and ensure a legacy of cooperation and prosperity for future generations.
