Press Release
U.S.-Africa Trade Commission announces Dr. Femi Salami, as Board Advisor, Critical Minerals, Energy Transition.
Atlanta, GA. USA. July 20, 2026: The U.S-Africa Trade Commission (USAfriTrade) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Femi Salami, Ph.D., P.E., MAusIMM, as Board Advisor, Critical Minerals, Energy Transition & Strategic Resources.
Dr. Salami brings exceptional academic distinction, technical expertise, and international professional experience to the Commission at a time when critical minerals, energy security, and sustainable resource development have become central to global economic growth and the future of U.S.-Africa trade relations.
A globally respected mining engineer and researcher, Dr. Salami earned a First-Class Honours degree in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the United States, a licensed mining engineer in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM).
His work spans mining innovation, critical mineral development, energy sustainability, climate-smart mining, and responsible resource management. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Salami has received more than 70 awards and honors recognizing his scholarly excellence, professional leadership, and contributions to the global mining industry.
Dr. Salami is also an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA), Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, and Sigma Gamma Epsilon Honor Society of the Earth Sciences.
Commenting on the appointment, Titus Olowokere, Executive Director of the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission, said:
“Critical minerals are redefining global trade, industrial competitiveness, clean energy, and national security. Africa possesses many of the world’s most strategic mineral resources, while the United States continues to seek trusted, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Dr. Femi Salami’s appointment significantly strengthens our capacity to foster strategic partnerships, promote responsible investment, and advance policies that create shared prosperity across both continents. His expertise and international credibility will be invaluable as we expand our work in this critical sector.”
In his new role, Dr. Salami will advise the Commission’s Board of Governors and Executive Leadership on strategic initiatives related to critical minerals, mining investment, energy transition, climate-smart resource development, ESG best practices, and international collaboration. He will also help cultivate partnerships among governments, investors, mining companies, research institutions, development finance organizations, and industry stakeholders to accelerate sustainable economic development.
Dr. Salami’s appointment reflects the Commission’s commitment to assembling world-class leadership capable of driving transformational initiatives that strengthen trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable development between the United States and Africa.
The U.S.-Africa Trade Commission is developing a comprehensive agenda in critical minerals and strategic resources, including high-level policy dialogues, investment forums, trade missions, research initiatives, and capacity-building programs designed to unlock opportunities across the U.S.-Africa mining and energy value chains.
About the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission
The U.S.-Africa Trade Commission (USAfriTrade) is a nonprofit, nongovernment, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing trade, investment, tourism, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships between the United States and Africa. Through business facilitation, policy engagement, trade missions, capacity building, and strategic advocacy, the Commission serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and commercial collaboration across both regions.
For more information about the US-Africa Trade Commission, please contact:
Media Contact
Christiana Amaefule
Director – Corporate Communications and marketing
U.S.-Africa Trade Commission
1201 West Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 2300
Atlanta, GA 30309
Website: www.usafricatrade.org
Phone: +1833-822-9990
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