Stakeholders in the precious minerals sector are set to gather in Lagos for the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE) 2025, scheduled to take place from November 24 to 28 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki.
The five-day event is expected to attract industry leaders, investors, miners, jewellers, regulators, and government agencies from across Africa and other parts of the world. The organisers say the summit will focus on strengthening partnerships that can unlock Africa’s mineral wealth and position Nigeria as a key global player in the gold and gemstone industry.
The theme for this year’s edition is “Accelerating Collaboration for Sustainable Gold and Gemstone Development in Africa.” Organisers disclosed that the conference will provide a platform for dialogue on policies, investments, technology, and ethical sourcing in the mining and jewellery value chain.
President of Women in Mining in Nigeria, Janet Adeyemi, who is leading the organising team, said the initiative goes beyond hosting an event, stressing that it is a movement to promote responsible and inclusive development in the minerals sector.
Adeyemi stated, “GGCE 2025 is more than an event; it’s a movement to unlock Africa’s mineral wealth responsibly and inclusively. With rising global demand for ethically sourced gold and gemstones, now is the time for Nigeria to claim its rightful position on the world stage.”
The conference comes at a time when the Nigerian government is increasing its efforts to regulate the mining industry, curb illegal mining, and boost revenue from mineral exports. In recent months, the Federal Government has introduced several policies and enforcement mechanisms aimed at ensuring transparency, protecting artisanal miners, and improving value addition before export.
According to the statement, GGCE 2025 will spotlight women miners, artisanal mining activities, sustainable mining practices, and opportunities for innovation. Organisers say the summit will also provide opportunities for investment matchmaking, cooperative development, and policy discussions that will strengthen Africa’s position in the global gemstone and jewellery trade.
The programme will include panel sessions with experts from across the mining and jewellery value chain, masterclasses on gem grading and jewellery design, as well as an exhibition pavilion for showcasing mining equipment, artisanal crafts, and precious stones. Nigerian jewellers will also take part in a jewellery-making competition, designed to promote local talent and creativity.
Organisers revealed that the exhibition is open to miners, gem traders, equipment suppliers, investors, regulators, financial institutions, jewellers, and academic researchers.
The conference will also host an investment pitch session where start-ups and cooperatives in the mining and jewellery sector can showcase their ideas to potential financiers. This, according to the organisers, will help small players access funding and mentorship opportunities.
Another highlight of the event will be a gala dinner, networking sessions, and a fashion show that will showcase Nigeria’s creative potential in gemstone and jewellery design. The organisers explained that the fashion show aims to promote the country’s cultural identity and encourage value addition in gemstone production.
Nigeria has a wide range of solid minerals, but mining remains underdeveloped compared to oil and gas. Experts say that with the right policies and investments, Nigeria can earn significant foreign exchange from gold and gemstone exports, create jobs, and empower local communities.
The GGCE 2025, therefore, comes at a time when stakeholders are pushing for Nigeria to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on crude oil. With global demand for responsibly sourced minerals on the rise, participants believe that the conference could set the stage for Nigeria to play a bigger role in international trade while also promoting sustainability and inclusion in the sector.
