MoRGANABLE INDUSTRY WATCH
African leaders are renewing calls for the continent to process more of its mineral resources locally instead of exporting them as raw materials.
Akure —
African leaders are renewing calls for the continent to process more of its mineral resources locally instead of exporting them as raw materials.
The issue came into sharper focus on September 21, 2026, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged African countries to build stronger cooperation around critical minerals.
Tinubu made the call in New York during the third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, held alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Tinubu’s address at the meeting, which focused on mineral value addition, financing, data and critical-mineral security.
The meeting brought together African governments, investors and mining-sector stakeholders.
Its theme, “From Resources to Wealth: Continental Cooperation for Mineral Value Addition,” reflected a growing push to change how African countries participate in global mineral supply chains.
Tinubu argued that Africa should move beyond extracting minerals and sending them abroad for processing. Instead, he called for more local processing, refining, manufacturing and technology development.
According to the President, this approach could help African countries retain more economic value from their natural resources.
The call comes as demand for critical minerals continues to attract global attention. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements support several modern industries.
They are used in clean-energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, batteries and other emerging sectors. As a result, countries with significant mineral deposits are seeking greater roles in these supply chains.
However, Africa still exports much of its mineral wealth with limited local processing. This means other countries can capture significant value by refining the resources and turning them into finished or intermediate products.
African leaders now want to change that pattern and strengthen domestic industries.
Tinubu said African countries should not remain suppliers of raw materials while importing finished products at higher prices.
He therefore called for stronger continental cooperation. In his view, coordinated policies could improve Africa’s bargaining position and help countries develop larger and more competitive markets.
Shettima also urged African countries to develop bankable projects that can attract investment into processing, manufacturing and other value-adding activities.
Such projects, he said, should create jobs, support industrial development and ensure that communities where minerals are extracted receive tangible benefits.
This focus on communities is important. Mining can provide income and government revenue, but local communities may also face environmental and safety challenges.
Therefore, a stronger mineral industry needs more than higher production. It also needs responsible mining practices, safer workplaces and meaningful economic participation for people living near mining sites.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, also highlighted the need to reform artisanal mining. He said African governments should distinguish between legitimate artisanal miners and criminal operators involved in illegal mining.
He supported formal systems that can allow legitimate miners to work legally and safely.
The push for local processing also creates opportunities for other industries. Processing minerals locally requires equipment, electricity, transport, technology, finance and skilled workers.
Therefore, growth in mineral processing could support activity across manufacturing, logistics, construction and financial services.
Nevertheless, turning the proposal into reality will require substantial investment. Mineral processing facilities can be expensive to build and operate.
Countries also need reliable power, transport networks, skilled workers and clear regulations. Without these foundations, investors may struggle to establish competitive processing businesses.
For this reason, African countries are also discussing stronger regional cooperation. Shared infrastructure and regional processing hubs could help countries overcome some of their individual limitations.
In addition, coordinated policies could make it easier for investors to operate across borders and serve larger markets.
The Africa Minerals Strategy Group is seeking to support this approach. The group has more than 30 African member countries and is promoting cooperation on mineral governance, local processing and participation in global supply chains.
Its latest roundtable reflects efforts to create a more coordinated continental strategy.
The development is also significant for Nigeria. The country has deposits of several minerals, including lithium, gold, tin and other resources.
Nigeria has been seeking greater investment in its solid-minerals sector while encouraging more local value addition.
The Nigerian government has linked mineral development with industrialisation and job creation. However, achieving those goals will depend on investment, infrastructure, regulation and effective enforcement.
It will also require continued engagement with communities and legitimate operators across the mining value chain.
Meanwhile, global demand for critical minerals is likely to keep the industry in focus.
The expansion of renewable energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing is increasing interest in minerals needed for these technologies.
Africa therefore has an opportunity to participate in industries that are shaping the global economy.
Still, mineral wealth alone cannot guarantee broad economic benefits. Countries need policies that encourage responsible investment and local participation.
They also need transparent systems that allow communities, workers, businesses and investors to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Going forward, African governments will face the challenge of turning commitments into practical projects. They will need to attract financing, improve infrastructure and develop skills.
They will also need to balance investment with environmental protection and community interests.
The September 21 meeting has therefore placed mineral value addition on Africa’s industrial agenda. The message from Nigerian leaders is clear: African countries want to capture more value from the resources they already possess.
If governments, investors, communities and industry stakeholders can work together, local processing could create new opportunities across the continent.
However, progress will depend on practical implementation rather than declarations alone.
For Africa’s mining and manufacturing industries, the next step will be turning the push for local value addition into sustainable projects, jobs and stronger regional supply chains.
