The Gambia is hosting the 18th General Assembly of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) for the first time, bringing together geological experts, government officials and international partners to strengthen scientific cooperation and promote sustainable management of Africa’s mineral resources.
The three-day assembly opened on Monday, 26 October 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, providing a platform for delegates from Africa and Europe to exchange knowledge and explore solutions to challenges facing geological surveys.
Organised by the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, the gathering underscores the growing importance of geological science in economic development, mineral management, environmental protection and access to water and energy.
Speaking at the opening, Alieu Jawo, Director of the Geological Department, described the assembly as a vital opportunity to strengthen cooperation among geological institutions.
He said Africa’s natural resources could drive industrialisation, job creation and sustainable transformation if countries invest in strong geological institutions, reliable scientific data and effective governance.
According to Jawo, geological surveys provide the scientific data governments need to guide investment decisions, formulate policies and manage resources responsibly.
He thanked the Ministry, Government, OAGS leadership and development partners for organising the event.
Gabriel Data, OAGS President and Assistant Commissioner at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing geological science and supporting Africa’s socio-economic development.
He said stronger geological institutions are essential to help countries better understand and manage resources while positioning Africa to benefit more from its mineral wealth. Collective action, he noted, could strengthen scientific capacity and ensure long-term sustainability.
The assembly comes as global demand for critical minerals surges due to their importance in renewable energy and industrial applications, intensifying debate on how Africa can better assess, manage and benefit from its resources.
Representing the European geological survey community, Ms. Tirza Van Daalen stressed the importance of Africa-Europe partnerships.
She said geological surveys face similar challenges - securing water amid climate change, supporting sustainable energy systems and promoting responsible mineral development while protecting the environment.
Van Daalen also highlighted the emerging role of artificial intelligence in interpreting geological data and making scientific knowledge more accessible, but stressed that technology must be supported by reliable evidence, field observations and professional expertise.
For The Gambia, hosting the assembly is an opportunity to strengthen ties with regional and international partners while showcasing its geological potential.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, challenged African countries to end dependence on exporting raw minerals and importing finished products.
Minister Juwara said Africa possesses significant deposits of copper, manganese, lithium, bauxite and rare earth elements, yet many countries still export raw materials without capturing enough value.
He argued that Africa must move beyond raw extraction and prioritise local processing, manufacturing, technology transfer, skills development and stronger regional value chains to accelerate industrialisation and create jobs.