From Mines to Markets: Tinubu Rallies Africa to End Raw Mineral Dependence
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday issued a rallying call to African nations to break free from the long-standing cycle of exporting raw minerals and instead embrace value addition, industrialisation and technological development as pathways to shared prosperity.
Addressing a delegation of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) at the State House in Abuja, the President urged member countries to unite in protecting Africa’s interests and strengthening the continent’s position in the global minerals market.
Tinubu, who serves as Grand Patron of the group, stressed that Africa could no longer afford to remain a mere supplier of raw materials while other regions reap the benefits of processing and manufacturing.
“We should avoid bureaucracy and deceit; we must put an end to exploitation,” the President declared. “The rest of the world will not mind if your country becomes a cesspit of dams and rubbish while excavating your raw materials without adding value.”
His remarks reflected growing concerns across the continent about the limited economic gains African countries derive from their vast mineral wealth despite possessing some of the world’s most sought-after critical minerals.
The AMSG, a forum of African ministers responsible for mining and solid minerals, is chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. Members of the group are currently in Abuja for the fifth African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), themed “One Africa, One Resource Vision.”
For Tinubu, the challenge is not the abundance of resources but the lack of investment in the systems needed to transform them into engines of development.
He called on African governments to channel greater resources into research, development and refining capacity, arguing that such investments would strengthen local industries, deepen technological expertise and create jobs for millions of Africans.
“It is about how much each country is willing to invest in research, development and refinery,” he said. “I see no reason why we cannot centralise that conversation somewhere on the continent and utilise it to enhance our knowledge-based economy, improve quality of life and create prosperity for our people.”
The President painted a vision of a continent where mineral resources drive industrial growth rather than fuel dependency, insisting that Africa’s enormous reserves should become catalysts for economic transformation.
According to him, the era of exporting raw minerals without local processing and beneficiation must give way to a new development model built on value-chain expansion, technology transfer and wealth retention within African economies.
Earlier, Alake commended Tinubu for championing reforms in Nigeria’s mineral sector and promoting local value addition as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy.
He noted that the President’s policies had boosted confidence among artisanal miners, encouraged beneficiation initiatives and inspired similar reforms across several African countries.
“You encouraged us to focus on the core objective of this group, which is to ensure that Africa’s natural resources, especially critical minerals, are processed and utilised for the benefit of Africans,” Alake said.
He revealed that some African nations have already taken decisive steps by restricting or banning the export of raw minerals to strengthen domestic industries and increase revenues from the sector.
The minister said the AFNIS 2026 summit would serve as a platform for African leaders and policymakers to chart a new course for resource management, with a focus on industrialisation and continental cooperation.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, particularly for renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing, African leaders are increasingly seeking ways to ensure the continent captures a greater share of the value chain.
For Tinubu and the AMSG, the message is clear: Africa’s mineral wealth must no longer enrich others while leaving producing nations with little to show for their resources. Instead, the continent must leverage its vast reserves to build industries, create jobs and secure lasting prosperity for its people.
