Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, advocated for African nations to cease exporting raw minerals and instead develop local industries. Speaking at the 2026 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) in Accra, Mr. Alake stressed the need for Africa to retain wealth and drive industrialisation. He warned that the continent risks losing major economic benefits from the global energy transition if it continues as a primary exporter of unprocessed mineral resources.
The minister's comments come as global demand for critical minerals like lithium, rare earths, manganese, and bauxite surges. This demand is driven by increasing investment in electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and renewable energy technologies. By processing minerals locally, Africa can create jobs, strengthen regional economies, and increase domestic revenue retention. This shift would move Africa from exporting raw minerals to exporting value-added products and refined materials.
This initiative aligns with a broader push across African economies to diversify beyond raw material extraction. Many nations are seeking to build robust manufacturing sectors and supply chains. For example, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has repeatedly called for value addition across various sectors, including cocoa and gold. This strategy aims to capture more of the global value chain at home, thereby boosting economic growth and employment.
Mr. Alake stated, “Africa cannot continue exporting jobs and importing poverty.” He further noted the continent has a rare opportunity to reposition itself within global supply chains. This repositioning can happen by developing local processing, refining, and manufacturing industries centred on its mineral wealth. Nigeria is actively pursuing reforms to shift its mining sector from a 'pit-to-port' model to a 'mine-to-market' framework. This new approach prioritises beneficiation and downstream industrial development.
The objective is to ensure more value generated from mineral resources remains within African economies. The minister also highlighted the link between mining and energy. He said the future competitiveness of Africa's mineral sector depends on access to reliable and sustainable power. Africa has an opportunity to build mining systems powered by cleaner energy sources while leveraging critical minerals for the global energy transition.
Mr. Alake underlined that no single country can achieve these ambitions alone. He called for stronger regional cooperation in infrastructure development, mineral value chains, and energy connectivity. The 19th edition of WAMPEX brought together policymakers, mining executives, and investors. They discussed critical minerals, energy security, and sustainable industrial growth across the region.
The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, echoed the call for greater value addition. He said the future of mining in West Africa depends on processing minerals and developing supply chains. It also hinges on providing reliable power for industrial growth. Dr. Ashigbey noted West Africa is well-positioned to attract investment due to accelerating global demand for critical minerals. However, he stressed investors prioritise policy certainty and stable operating environments.
The proposed shift towards value addition will require significant investment in infrastructure and human capital. African governments will need to create clear, transparent regulatory frameworks to attract and retain both local and international investors. Furthermore, enhancing regional trade agreements and customs efficiency will be crucial to facilitate the movement of processed goods across borders. Success in this area could significantly alter Africa’s role in the global economy. Failure risks continued resource dependency and limited economic growth.