By: The Guardian

African First Ladies have announced their support for a $150 million, five-year action plan developed by Women in Mining Africa (WIM-Africa). The initiative is designed to transform women's participation in the continent's mineral sector and move them from "survival to significance."

The plan was unveiled during the 2025–2030 WiM Africa Action Plan Validation Workshop Webinar. The Executive Director of WIM-Africa, Mrs. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, described it as a collective roadmap that focuses on capacity building, policy advocacy, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for women and mining host communities.

She noted that despite Africa holding nearly a third of the world's mineral wealth, women remain largely sidelined in the value chain. To address this, the action plan will operate on a seven-point agenda. This agenda includes establishing women-led mineral value addition, creating women-only mining zones and cooperatives, and promoting environmental and climate resilience. The plan also encompasses providing legal support, fostering youth inclusion, driving research and digital development, and implementing regional beneficiation programmes.