Tinubu Urges African Solidarity for Resource Management
President Bola Tinubu has urged African nations to unite in efforts to eliminate the exploitation of the continent’s mineral resources. He emphasized the necessity for local processing and industrial development to ensure that countries derive greater value from their own natural wealth. The President made this appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) at the State House in Abuja.
New Leadership in African Minerals Strategy Group
The AMSG comprises ministers from various African countries responsible for mines and solid minerals. In this new phase, President Tinubu has been appointed as the Grand Patron, while Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Arake, will take the helm as chairperson of the organization. Their leadership aims to enhance regional cooperation and strategic resource management across the continent.
Empowering African Nations in Global Markets
During the meeting, President Tinubu underscored the importance of strengthening the continent’s bargaining position within global mineral markets. He expressed concern over the current practice of exporting raw materials that provide minimal benefits to African economies. “It is crucial for us to cut through bureaucratic hurdles and eliminate exploitation,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for strategic reforms.
Harnessing Resources for Economic Development
The President articulated that Africa’s mineral wealth should be leveraged to spur industrialization, generate employment, and elevate living standards across the region. He pointed out, “We must collaborate to ensure these resources create value, foster technological advancements, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for all African citizens.”
Investment in Local Industries and Technology
President Tinubu called for increased investments in research, refining, and technology to maximize the benefits derived from the continent’s abundant natural resources. He contended that relying on the export of unprocessed minerals must come to an end. Instead, the focus should shift to nurturing local industries and strengthening value chains that will keep wealth within Africa, contributing to sustainable economic transformation.
Regional Cooperation and Knowledge-Based Economies
Furthering the conversation, the President highlighted the necessity for enhanced collaboration between African countries to establish a knowledge-based economy centered around the continent’s natural resources. Minister Dele Arake reinforced this message, noting that various African nations have already implemented policies encouraging local value addition in their mining sectors.
Addressing the Challenges of Raw Mineral Exports
Minister Arake applauded the commitment of AMSG members to prioritize regional value addition as a core objective. He acknowledged that some member states have enacted bans on raw mineral exports as part of their strategic initiatives for domestic processing and industrial growth. The ongoing 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), themed “One Africa, One Resource Vision,” aims to address these very challenges by focusing on mineral beneficiation and fostering cooperation among African nations.
