By Hassan Osman Kargbo
At the Expert Group Meeting and Ministerial Conference on West African integration and investment, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has stressed the need for countries in the region to move beyond simply identifying mineral deposits and focus on developing bankable projects that can attract real investment.
Speaking at the high level forum led by Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Mattai said that although West Africa is richly endowed with minerals, the presence of these resources alone does not guarantee economic growth or investor confidence.
He explained that what matters most is the ability of governments and institutions to convert mineral occurrences into structured, finance ready projects. According to him, bankability is the missing link between geological potential and actual investment inflows into the extractive sector.
Mattai noted that many countries across the region, including Sierra Leone, have made significant discoveries of minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, gold and diamonds, yet continue to struggle to secure long term and sustainable financing for large scale mining operations.
He pointed out that investors are increasingly looking for projects that are backed by credible geological data, clear regulatory frameworks and reduced operational risks. Without these elements, he warned, even the most promising mineral deposits may remain undeveloped.
The minister further highlighted that bankable projects require strong institutional support, transparency and effective governance. He emphasized the need for governments to strengthen geological surveys, improve data management systems and ensure that licensing processes are predictable and efficient.
He also called for closer collaboration between governments, development partners and the private sector to address infrastructure gaps that continue to hinder mining investments across West Africa. Issues such as poor transport networks, unreliable energy supply and limited access to financing were identified as key barriers that must be tackled collectively.
Mattai said building investor confidence will depend on how well countries manage risks associated with mining projects, including environmental concerns, community relations and policy consistency. He urged stakeholders to adopt a long term approach that prioritizes sustainability and shared value.
The conference brought together policymakers, industry experts and development partners from across the region to explore strategies for strengthening economic integration and unlocking investment opportunities. Discussions focused on practical solutions to longstanding challenges in sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture and digital transformation.
Mattai’s remarks added to growing calls for a shift in how mineral wealth is approached in West Africa, from mere resource identification to value driven project development that can deliver tangible economic benefits for the region.
