Uganda is on the verge of securing an internationally certified mineral testing laboratory--an achievement expected to significantly cut the cost of exporting samples abroad for analysis and boost investor confidence in the country's mineral sector; according to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa.
She made the remakes during the official opening of the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) in Entebbe, Wakiso District.
The AGM, hosted in East Africa for the first time, brought together geoscientists, policymakers, and geological survey leaders from across the continent to discuss the strategic direction of Africa's mineral and geoscience sector.
Nankabirwa revealed that Uganda's national laboratory--established to support mineral analysis and value addition--is currently 93% ready and close to achieving the international certification required to handle all mineral sample testing locally.
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"For years, we have encouraged investors to pursue value addition within Uganda. However, many still prefer sending samples abroad because they want results from internationally certified laboratories. Once our laboratory receives its certification, investors will have the confidence they need to conduct all tests here--without having to send samples as far as Australia," she said.
The laboratory, established in 2007 under the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the African Mining Partnership (AMP), is now affiliated with the African Union (AU). It plays a critical role in mineral resource assessment, environmental protection, natural hazard mitigation, sustainable land-use planning, and poverty alleviation.
The OAGS, whose membership is open to all 55 African states, currently consists of 38 active member countries. The Council for Geoscience (CGS) of South Africa serves as its Permanent Secretariat.
Speaking during the event, OAGS President and Director General of Senegal's National Geological Service, Rokhaya Samba Diene, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen technical cooperation among member states. She noted the establishment of a technical committee tasked with developing collaborative programmes and subcommittees focused on addressing priority themes across the continent.
"Our current priorities include capacity building and contributing to poverty alleviation by supporting food security initiatives. Objective scientific knowledge is essential for shaping strategic decisions across Africa," she said.
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OAGS Secretary-General and CGS Chief Executive Officer, Mosa Mabuza, emphasized the growing geopolitical importance of geology and mineral security. He noted that Africa has historically underinvested in geological knowledge--limiting its ability to fully leverage its mineral wealth.
"Understanding your geology is the foundation of everything. You need to know what you have, how much you have, and the quality of those resources. Our role as OAGS is to help Africa determine its geological capacity so that ministers can make informed policy decisions," Mabuza said.
He added that Agenda 2063, the African Union's long-term development blueprint, continues to guide OAGS' strategic direction. Hosting the General Assembly in East Africa, he said, demonstrates the organisation's commitment to regional representation and collaboration.
The pending international certification of Uganda's mineral testing laboratory is expected to strengthen the country's attractiveness to investors, reduce operational costs, and support the government's push for local value addition in the mining sector.
Nankabirwa reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing modern mineral infrastructure and supporting regional cooperation through platforms like the OAGS.
"Every country needs such a laboratory to ensure value addition. Uganda is ready to play its part in advancing Africa's mining and geoscience agenda," she said.
