The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Organization of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) opened on Wednesday, at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, attracting geologists, policymakers, researchers, and investors from across Africa and around the world.
The 3-day gathering is expected to chart new pathways for collaboration in Africa’s fast-growing mineral and energy sectors. Uganda has discovered 53 rare minerals so far, according to the ministry of energy and mineral Development.
Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, presided over the opening ceremony as Guest of Honour. She welcomed the international delegation to Entebbe, encouraging participants to take time to explore local attractions such as the serene shores of Lake Victoria and the Entebbe Education Zoo.
In a keynote address focused on responsible resource management, Nankabirwa stressed the need for sustainable and ethical mineral exploitation. She highlighted Uganda’s robust regulatory framework, designed to ensure that exploration and mining activities contribute to long-term economic and social development.
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A central theme of her speech was the importance of value addition. The Minister underscored Uganda’s firm stance against the export of raw minerals, reaffirming the country’s ban on unprocessed mineral exports.
“We have put a ban on the exportation of unprocessed minerals in Uganda and this is being implemented,” she said. “While some investors initially resisted, we advised them to embrace value addition. Processing our minerals locally creates jobs, transfers technology, and drives sustainable economic growth.”
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She cited Uganda’s recent success in tin processing, noting that the country now achieves 99.5% purity domestically—an accomplishment she urged other African nations to emulate.
Looking ahead, Nankabirwa used the opportunity and announced that Uganda is on track to begin oil production by 2026. Revenue from the petroleum sector, she explained, will be directed toward critical infrastructure, including mineral laboratories essential for testing, certification, and quality assurance. Uganda’s national mineral laboratory is currently 95% complete and close to receiving accreditation.
The Minister also emphasized the wider societal benefits of mineral development. Increased domestic processing and future oil production, she noted, will support Uganda’s transition toward cleaner energy sources, ultimately reducing deforestation linked to firewood use.
“Processed minerals and oil reduce deforestation as people shift from firewood to electricity for cooking. This will improve living conditions and increase life expectancy,” she said.
The AGM drew an impressive roster of distinguished guests, including Dr. Rokhaya Samba Diene, OAGS President and Director General of Senegal’s National Geological Services; Mr. Arisoke Tunde, Head of the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC); Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Dr. Litho, Director Public Relations Ministry of Energy and mineral Development, Ms. Tirza van Daalen, President of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS); Prof. Li Xiaoguang of the China Geological Survey; Prof. Gbenga Okunlola, President of GSAf; Mr. Ben Young of Xcalibur, Prince Ronnie Mukombe public relations, and numerous senior geologists, policymakers, and industry experts.
The 17th OAGS AGM serves as a critical platform for member states to exchange insights on mineral exploration, geological mapping, technological innovation, and regulatory best practices. At a time when many African countries are seeking to strengthen value chains and maximize the benefits of their natural resources, the forum provides a timely opportunity for dialogue and coordination.
Established to promote cooperation and sustainable resource management, OAGS continues to play a central role in shaping Africa’s geological future. With Uganda increasingly championing value addition and responsible development, this year’s AGM highlights the continent’s growing commitment to harnessing its mineral wealth for long-term prosperity.
