President Bola Tinubu has called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture governing Africa’s mineral resources, insisting that the continent must take control of its economic destiny.
Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at the Second Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The President said it was time for African nations not only to finance their own mineral sectors but also to assert greater influence over global supply chains. He stressed that safeguarding the sovereignty of African states requires unity and bold action.
“We must take the bull by the horns in financing our future. Never again shall we wait for capital to trickle in. With sovereign funds, blended vehicles, and innovation tools like the Africa Mineral Token, Africa shall finance Africa,” he declared.
Tinubu urged leaders across the continent to end the “ignoble cycle” of exporting raw minerals and importing finished products. “From beneficiation to green manufacturing, Africa must build industries on African soil,” he said, adding that every state must prioritise geological mapping and exploration to secure sovereignty and value creation.
He pointed to countries like Zimbabwe, Gabon, and Kenya that have already enforced bans on raw mineral exports, saying Nigeria was pursuing similar reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “This is the road to jobs, to industries, and to prosperity,” Tinubu affirmed.
The President commended Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, who chaired the roundtable, for steering Africa towards a mineral-led renaissance. He pledged Nigeria’s “unflinching commitment” to ensuring that the AMSG fulfils its mission.
Other speakers, including UN Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa and EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Stkela, underscored the urgency of protecting Africa’s resources from exploitation while leveraging global partnerships for technology transfer and job creation.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Vice-President Shettima also held investment talks with global business leaders and met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, where both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
