Nigeria has launched the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration and Research Grant Endowment Program (EMERGE), a government-backed initiative designed to accelerate mineral exploration, expand geological research and support local value addition as the country seeks to unlock an estimated $750 billion in untapped mineral deposits.
The program was introduced as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil by expanding mineral exploration and production. The country has identified 44 strategic mineral deposits and is seeking investors with the capital and technological expertise required to develop the sector. The government has also outlined plans to increase mining’s contribution to gross domestic product to 10% in 2026.
Officials have identified stronger geological data, improved technical capacity and greater early-stage exploration investment as key requirements for developing Nigeria’s mining industry. The EMERGE program is intended to address these challenges by providing structured funding and science-based support to reduce risks associated with mineral exploration.
The initiative will focus on three main areas: science-backed exploration, critical minerals development and research and development. The exploration stream will support early-stage geological investigations aimed at producing reliable mineral data, while the critical minerals stream will focus on resources linked to the global energy transition. The research and development component will apply scientific innovation across the mineral value chain.
Driven by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, EMERGE is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global minerals sector by improving exploration capabilities and supporting the development of domestic expertise.
The launch of the program follows a series of international partnerships aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s exploration infrastructure. Nigeria and Turkey formalized a cooperation agreement in May 2026 focused on mining technology, exploration and investment. The country has also entered geological mapping and exploration cooperation agreements with South Sudan and South Africa to improve technical knowledge and encourage investment flows within the exploration sector.
Nigeria’s mineral expansion plans have also attracted international financial support. In March 2026, the country secured $1.3 billion from the Africa Finance Corporation to support mineral exploration programs and the construction of an alumina refinery. The funding is expected to advance efforts to increase mineral production and strengthen domestic processing capacity.
A separate allocation of more than $600 million in late 2025 for geoscientific exploration and nationwide mapping further highlighted the government’s focus on improving geological information and accelerating exploration activities.
The role of technology and investment in Nigeria’s mining sector will be a key focus at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, scheduled for October 14–16. The event will bring together global mining companies, financiers and Nigerian authorities to discuss exploration and investment opportunities across the country’s mineral sector.
AMW 2026 is expected to feature discussions and networking sessions focused on Nigeria’s mineral exploration potential, value addition strategies and opportunities for partnerships as the country advances efforts to develop its mining industry.
