Africa mineral value addition push gains momentum as Minister Dele Alake urges nations to stop exporting raw minerals and strengthen regional cooperation

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, has called on African nations to end the long-standing practice of exporting raw minerals, urging a stronger focus on regional cooperation and value addition.

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Alake made the appeal at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, where he warned that Africa risks missing out on the full economic benefits of its vast mineral wealth if it continues operating in isolation.

He said the continent is central to a global industrial transition driven by demand for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies, digital systems, and advanced manufacturing.

Despite this advantage, he noted that African countries still earn only a small portion of the value generated from their natural resources due to limited local processing capacity.

The minister stressed that the current global minerals structure presents both challenges and opportunities, adding that no single African country can fully maximise the benefits alone.

He urged nations to harmonise mining policies, strengthen cross-border infrastructure, and expand intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Alake also highlighted the role of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, describing it as a growing platform for coordination, investment attraction, and regulatory alignment across member states.

He said the group, established in 2023 with 16 countries, has now expanded to 31, reflecting increased commitment to a shared development agenda.

According to him, value addition remains central to Africa’s industrial future, as it has the potential to create jobs, boost revenues, and drive economic transformation.

Alake further noted that ongoing shifts in global supply chains present a strategic opportunity for Africa to reposition itself as a key player in mineral-based industries.

He, however, warned that success would depend on consistent policy reforms, transparency, environmental responsibility, and improved investment conditions.

Africa holds large reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, but continues to lose significant value due to limited processing infrastructure.

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The minister maintained that with coordinated leadership and stronger regional collaboration, Africa can move from being a raw material exporter to a value-driven industrial hub.