The 2025 Gold & Gemstones Conference & Exhibition (GGCE) concluded in Lagos on Friday, November 28, after five days that firmly placed Africa’s mineral sector on a renewed path of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
Convened under the theme “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold & Gemstone Development in Africa,” the event brought together artisans, policymakers, investors, traditional rulers, development institutions, and private-sector leaders from across the continent, creating a powerful convergence of heritage, policy, and forward-thinking strategy.
The conference opened on Monday with an intensive Master Class series designed to transform Africa’s artisans into globally competitive jewellery entrepreneurs. Participants began with foundational lessons in gemology and ethical sourcing led by Dr. T. Aga, followed by explorations of African jewellery heritage and confidence-building technical sessions delivered by celebrated trainer Labi Kapo. The day culminated with an advanced beading class by Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi, setting a vibrant creative tone for the week.
On Tuesday, artisans delved deeper into technical craftsmanship as Rev. Zeph Ndaja guided them through the precision of lapidary work and gemstone preparation for cabochon cutting. Kapo returned with advanced benchwork demonstrations, while AFRIMINE introduced participants to computer-aided design, showcasing how digital tools like Rhino and Blender are revolutionizing jewellery production through 3D modeling, rapid prototyping, and modern manufacturing workflows.
By Wednesday morning, the emphasis shifted to global market readiness. Kapo delivered a final masterclass on luxury-level stone setting and finishing techniques, after which artisans received business and compliance training from Mrs. Abdullahi and export documentation guidance from Mr. Chibuike Alan and NEPC representatives. BOI’s Mr. Femi Shittu rounded off the training segment with practical insights on financing options and cooperative structures for small businesses. A graduation ceremony chaired by Mr. Adekoya Osisanya celebrated the artisans’ achievements with keynote speaker Engr. Clever Sithole stressing the need for certified skills and ethical value chains as essential pillars for Africa’s mineral sovereignty.
The mood transitioned on Wednesday evening as the high-level conference officially commenced with an investment briefing, a private industry viewing, and a keynote address by Kursi Mines’ Mrs. Fatima Abdulfatai, who emphasized the balance between cultural preservation and wealth creation in Africa’s mineral future. Thursday marked the policy apex of the conference, headlined by the presence of the Ooni of Ife as Father of the Day and the SSA on SDGs to the President.
The principal keynote was delivered by Minister Dr. Dele Alake, setting the stage for robust discussions on the future of gold and gemstone policy, human rights in mining, community-focused development, and the empowerment of women and girls in mining regions.
A compelling panel led by Mrs. Mecktilder Mchomvu examined how innovation and cultural identity can reshape Africa’s position in the global jewellery landscape. Afternoon strategic roundtables tackled pressing sector challenges, including high financing barriers, derisking roles for AFDB and AFC, the importance of public-private partnerships, access to OEM equipment, and the growing influence of youth-led innovation highlighted by Afrimine’s Ms. Khadijah.
Friday brought a defining moment as ministers and institutional leaders formally adopted The Lagos Declaration, a continental commitment to advancing sustainable gold and gemstone development. The declaration outlined coordinated efforts to close critical equipment and technical gaps, expand funding pathways, and build ethical, community-centered value chains capable of driving long-term economic empowerment.
The closing plenary reaffirmed broad institutional support for harmonized solutions that can elevate mining communities and position Africa as a global leader in responsible mineral development.
The week ended on a celebratory note with a vibrant Awards Gala and Fashion Show, where high fashion merged with artisanal craftsmanship on a dazzling runway. The grand finale featured innovative jewellery and fashion collaborations, culminating in the announcement of the GGCE Jewellery Competition winner, adjudicated by Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi. The night closed with applause, symbolism, and renewed purpose.
Across five dynamic days, GGCE 2025 demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration. By blending certified skills development with policy reform, investment mobilization, cultural expression, and youth-driven innovation, the conference set a continental agenda for an inclusive and responsible minerals sector. As delegates departed Lagos, one message stood unmistakably clear: Africa’s gold and gemstone future is no longer a distant aspiration, but an unfolding reality built on shared strategy, ethical practice, and collective ambition.
