Politics
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to unite in ending the exploitation of the continent’s critical mineral resources and ensure greater value addition within Africa.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The president said Africa must speak with one voice to strengthen its bargaining power in the global minerals market and prevent the continued export of raw materials without local processing.
“We must put an end to exploitation. It is our responsibility to collaborate and ensure that these minerals bring value, technology and prosperity to our people,” he said.
Tinubu urged African nations to invest more in research, development and refining capacity to maximise benefits from the continent’s abundant mineral resources.
According to him, Africa possesses enormous mineral wealth that should be strategically harnessed to drive industrialisation, create jobs and accelerate economic transformation.
The president said the era of exporting raw minerals without local beneficiation should give way to a model that promotes local industries, technology transfer and stronger value chains.
He stressed the need for greater cooperation among African countries in developing knowledge-based economies and improving citizens’ quality of life through responsible resource management.
Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of AMSG, Mr Dele Alake, commended Tinubu for supporting reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Alake said the president’s emphasis on local value addition and economic diversification had inspired similar policies across Africa.
“You charged us to ensure that local value addition remains the pivot around which the objectives of this organisation revolve,” he said.
According to him, the message is now resonating across the continent, with some member countries already banning the export of raw minerals.
Alake said AMSG members were in Abuja for the Fifth African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026).
He said the summit, with the theme, “One Africa, One Resource Vision,” would promote beneficiation, industrialisation and strategic cooperation among African countries.
The minister reaffirmed the group’s commitment to protecting Africa’s interests and increasing the value and revenue derived from the continent’s mineral resources.
AMSG is a forum of African ministers responsible for mining and solid minerals development. Tinubu serves as the Grand Patron of the organisation.
F.O
Tags: Africa Mineral exploitation