Kigali — In order for the AMV to achieve successful implementation across the continent, it is vital to have buy in from governments, private sector, and civil society at large. In an effort to stimulate this engagement, a two-day meeting was hosted in Kigali, Rwanda last week by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) and the African Union Commission (AUC) to discuss the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) under the theme: "Leveraging the role of Chambers of Mines and Mining Associations in the implementation of the Africa Mining Vision."
In his opening statement, the Chairman of the Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), Mr. Jean Malic Kalima acknowledged the difficulties faced by the sector given the commodity price slump. However, he went on to say, "By collaborating with partners in government, the private sector and other institutions, Rwanda Mining Association is establishing initiatives to bolster value addition and improve the sector as a whole." He encouraged other private sector entities to come on board.
In agreement with Mr. Kalima, Mr. Frank Mugyenyi, AU Senior Industry Adviser for Trade and Industry spoke on the plight of so many young African men and women perishing in the Mediterranean sea in the effort of reaching Europe and finding decent jobs. "These are not political asylum seekers," he said, "but ecoomic migrants. What can we do about this? We must shift the paradigm of development so that it is underlined by industrialization that leads to inclusive growth and sustainable economic development."
The meeting concluded with agreement on the AMV compact with the private sector by the attendees involved, who came from over 15 African countries and 30 private sector institutions.
Note for editors on the Africa Mining Vision:
Formally adopted by African heads of state in 2009, the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) is the continent's own response to tackling the paradox of great mineral wealth existing side by side with pervasive poverty. Simply put, the AMV outlines the roadmap to the transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socio-economic development in Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Daisy Leoncio
Communications Director
African Mineral Development Centre
Visit us at www.africaminingvision.org
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