Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Africa is moving to break its dependence on raw mineral exports by building processing, manufacturing and technology value chains that retain more wealth on the continent, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has said.
Alake made the remarks at the Africa Minerals Strategy Group’s 3rd High-Level Roundtable in New York, where African stakeholders discussed strategies for maximising the continent’s critical mineral wealth.
He said Africa’s critical minerals were increasingly central to technologies and industries driving the global economy, making it imperative for the continent to move beyond exporting unprocessed resources.
“We must work together to ensure Africa is not only a supplier of raw materials but a major player in processing, manufacturing and innovation,” Alake said.
The minister said the newly unveiled Continental Integration and Economic Assurance Declaration marked a shift from policy discussions towards practical implementation, with participating countries aligning policies and developing dedicated financing mechanisms for bankable mineral projects.
“We are moving past policy talk into real execution,” he said.
According to Alake, the strategy is aimed at supporting investments that can create jobs, deepen industrialisation and ensure a greater share of the economic value generated from Africa’s mineral resources remains on the continent.
He said Africa’s growing importance in the global critical minerals market presented an opportunity for the continent to take greater control of its natural wealth.
“Africa is no longer a passive bystander in the global economy. We are building the industries and taking control of our own wealth,” Alake said.
