Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has been named African Champion of the Year by the African Professionals of Australia (APA) in recognition of his contributions to the mining sector and commitment to diaspora engagement.
The award was presented during the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum on September 5, 2025, held alongside the Africa Down Under Mining Conference in Perth. The forum gathered prominent leaders, investors, and professionals from across Africa and the diaspora for an evening of dialogue and networking at the Pan Pacific Hotel.
APA WA President, Dr. Toyosi Craig, and APA Chairman, Mr. Tommy Adebayo, jointly presented the Certificate of Recognition and the 2025 African Professional Champion of the Year Award to Dr. Alake. Dignitaries in attendance included Ambassador Anwar Muktar and Ambassador Dr. Jane Adams, Consul Generals of Ethiopia and Nigeria, respectively.
Delivering the minister’s keynote address on his behalf, Mr. Martin Imonite, Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, reiterated Dr. Alake’s commitment to deepening reforms in the solid minerals sector and strengthening engagement with African professionals globally.
The event also featured a panel session on investment, business, expert recruitment, and emerging opportunities across Africa, underscoring the growing role of diaspora professionals in advancing the continent’s development.
Founded in 2007, the African Professionals of Australia has become one of the largest African professional networks in Australia, with over 1,500 members from more than 20 African countries spanning fields such as medicine, engineering, IT, law, accounting, education, and community development. The organisation provides a platform for Africans and Australians to connect, share knowledge, and drive both personal growth and collective impact.
