Alake Urges United African Front to Boost Value in Global Mineral Economy
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, has called for stronger regional collaboration among African nations to enable the continent capture greater value from its vast mineral resources.
Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, Alake emphasized that Africa sits at the heart of a new industrial era driven by critical minerals essential for clean energy, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing.
Despite holding significant deposits of lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite, gold, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements, he noted that Africa continues to benefit minimally from the global mineral economy due to its longstanding role as an exporter of raw materials.
“For decades, Africa has remained largely an exporter of raw materials and an importer of finished products. This model has constrained industrial growth, weakened economic resilience, and limited job creation,” he said.
Alake stressed that individual countries cannot fully harness the opportunities in the rapidly evolving global minerals market without collective action.
“The time has come for Africa to redefine its place within the global mineral economy, and that transformation must begin with regional cooperation,” he stated.
He urged African governments to align mining policies, improve cross-border infrastructure, and deepen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that unity would significantly strengthen the continent’s bargaining power.
“A fragmented Africa weakens our bargaining power. A united Africa strengthens our strategic relevance,” he added.
The minister also highlighted the growth of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), which has expanded from 16 founding members in 2023 to 31 countries. He described the group as a key platform for coordinating mineral governance, improving value retention, and strengthening Africa’s voice in global supply chains.
According to Alake, AMSG is working to help member states negotiate better deals with international partners, harmonize regulations, develop shared infrastructure such as mineral corridors and processing hubs, and enhance geological data systems to attract investment.
He reiterated the need for Africa to prioritize value addition through processing, refining, and manufacturing.
“Value addition is not merely an economic aspiration; it is a development imperative. It creates jobs for our youth, stimulates industrialisation, expands government revenues, and positions Africa competitively in the industries of the future,” he said.
Alake further noted that shifting global supply chains present a rare opportunity for Africa but warned that success will depend on strong governance, transparency, environmental responsibility, and consistent policies.
He concluded by stressing that the minerals conversation is central to Africa’s broader economic future.
“Through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and continental cooperation, Africa can transition from being merely resource-rich to becoming truly value-rich,” he said.
— Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister
