The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), urged African nations to deepen regional cooperation in order to capture a larger share of the value generated by the continent’s mineral resources. Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, Alake highlighted Africa’s pivotal role in a new industrial era driven by critical minerals, clean‑energy technologies, digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.
Africa is home to extensive deposits of lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite, gold, copper, nickel and rare‑earth elements, yet the continent currently retains only a small portion of the economic benefits derived from these assets. “For decades Africa has been largely an exporter of raw materials and an importer of finished products. This model has constrained industrial growth, weakened economic resilience and limited job creation,” Alake said.
The minister argued that no single country can fully exploit the rapidly changing global minerals market on its own. He called for harmonised mining policies, improved cross‑border infrastructure, increased intra‑African trade and stronger regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “A fragmented Africa weakens our bargaining power. A united Africa strengthens our strategic relevance,” he added.
Alake noted the expansion of the AMSG, which was launched in January 2023 by 16 founding members and now includes 31 African states. The group serves as a continent‑wide platform for aligning mineral governance, retaining more value within Africa and enhancing the continent’s position in global supply chains. Its initiatives include negotiating better terms with international partners, developing shared infrastructure such as mineral corridors and processing hubs, and improving geological data systems to attract investment.
Value addition was identified as a core element of Africa’s industrialisation agenda. “Value addition is not merely an economic aspiration; it is a development imperative. It creates jobs for our youth, stimulates industrialisation, expands government revenues and positions Africa competitively in the industries of the future,” Alake said.
While acknowledging the historic opportunity presented by shifting global supply chains, the minister cautioned that success depends on stronger governance, consistent policies, transparency, environmental responsibility and investment‑friendly conditions. He concluded that the minerals discussion is fundamentally about Africa’s industrial future, economic sovereignty and sustainable prosperity.
Through coordinated leadership, strategic partnerships and continental cooperation, Alake asserted that Africa can move from being merely resource‑rich to becoming truly value‑rich.
