By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has strengthened its strategic partnership with the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO) and China’s National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE) to accelerate technology commercialisation and industrial innovation across Africa.
The renewed collaboration was reinforced during a virtual meeting, where the three organisations explored practical strategies for translating scientific research into market-ready products capable of driving industrial growth and sustainable economic development.
The meeting focused on advancing cooperation in critical sectors, including information technology, advanced materials, manufacturing, biomedicine, renewable energy and environmental protection. Participants also discussed ways of bridging the gap between research institutions and industry to enhance innovation, promote value addition and improve Africa’s industrial competitiveness.
Preparations for the Africa Raw Materials Summit, which Nigeria is expected to host in October 2026, as well as the WAITRO Summit in Turkey, also featured prominently during the discussions. Both events are expected to provide platforms for governments, researchers, investors and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration on raw materials development and technology-driven industrialisation.
The partnership reflects RMRDC’s commitment, under the leadership of its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, to leveraging international collaboration to advance Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and promote sustainable economic growth through innovation.