Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to fully harness the continent’s vast mineral resources and gain a bigger stake in the global supply chain.
Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, Alake said Africa holds critical resources such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements that are essential for clean energy and digital technologies.
He, however, lamented that despite its resource wealth, Africa captures only a small portion of the value, largely due to its long-standing role as an exporter of raw materials and importer of finished goods.
Alake warned that this model has limited industrial growth, weakened economies, and reduced job creation across the continent.
He stressed that African countries must abandon fragmented approaches and instead adopt unified strategies to strengthen their bargaining power in global markets.
The minister advocated for harmonised mining policies, cross-border infrastructure, and regional cooperation under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also highlighted the growing influence of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which has expanded significantly and aims to present a unified front in negotiating better deals and attracting investment.
Alake emphasised the need for value addition through local processing and manufacturing, noting that true economic growth lies in refining and innovation rather than raw extraction.
He added that with the ongoing shift in global supply chains, Africa has a unique opportunity to reposition itself, but success will depend on policy consistency, transparency, and sustainable resource management.
