Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, has issued a bold call for African nations to shift from mere suppliers of raw materials to strategic players in the global clean energy value chain, asserting that the continent must “own the future” of green technology.
Speaking at the OECD Forum in Paris, Dr. Alake warned that Africa’s continued export of unprocessed minerals threatens its ability to benefit meaningfully from the energy transition sweeping the globe.
Alake also highlighted Nigeria’s recent gains as evidence of what is possible when political will meets strategic reform.
“It’s time for Africa to move from exporting raw materials to owning the future of clean energy. We can no longer afford to be spectators while others create wealth from our resources.
“In Q1 2025 alone, Nigeria generated nearly ₦7 billion from mining license fees, formalized over 1,200 artisanal cooperatives, and approved hundreds of licenses, this is the path to sustainable growth and investor confidence,” he said.
As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, the Minister emphasized the urgency of building regional frameworks that prioritize value addition, local beneficiation, and inclusive development.
“Africa holds the minerals of tomorrow, lithium, cobalt, graphite, etc, but if we fail to act, we’ll remain locked in poverty while others profit from our wealth. We must harness these resources for industrialization, not just extraction.”
Alake also stressed the importance of aligning mineral development with environmental responsibility and long-term economic transformation.
“Bold, responsible action is not optional, it is essential. Africa must lead from the front,” he concluded.
Alake’s remarks come as global competition intensifies for critical minerals needed to power electric vehicles, solar panels, and battery storage, making Africa’s role pivotal in shaping a more equitable clean energy future.
