Oladele Alake, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chair of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), has called for increased collaboration among African nations to bolster the continent's influence in global mineral supply chains.
During his address at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, Mr. Alake highlighted Africa's pivotal role in the current industrial surge fueled by critical minerals, clean energy innovations, digital advancements, and modern manufacturing.
He pointed out that despite possessing abundant reserves of essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite, gold, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements, Africa currently benefits from only a small portion of the economic value derived from these resources.
"Africa has historically been a primary exporter of raw materials and a consistent importer of finished goods. This established pattern has hampered industrial progress, weakened our economic resilience, and limited job creation across the continent," Mr. Alake stated.
He stressed that no single African nation can independently seize the full potential offered by the dynamic global minerals market.
"The moment is ripe for Africa to redefine its standing in the worldwide mineral economy, and this transformation must be spearheaded by regional cooperation," he asserted.
Mr. Alake advocated for African countries to synchronize their mining regulations, improve cross-border infrastructure, boost intra-African commerce, and fortify regional mineral value chains within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"A fragmented Africa diminishes our collective bargaining power. A unified Africa enhances our strategic importance," the Minister added.
He also noted the significant growth of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which was established in January 2023 with sixteen founding member states and has since expanded to include thirty-one African countries.
Mr. Alake described AMSG as the continent's inaugural comprehensive platform dedicated to forging a unified stance on mineral governance, maximizing value retention, and securing strategic positioning in global supply chains.
He explained that the Group is actively promoting cooperation among its member states to negotiate more equitable agreements with international partners, align regulatory frameworks, develop shared infrastructure like mineral transport corridors and processing centers, and improve geological data systems to attract investment.
Mr. Alake reiterated the critical need for enhanced value addition throughout Africa's mining sector, emphasizing that future economic success will be driven by nations and regions that engage in processing, refining, manufacturing, and innovation.
"Value addition is not merely an economic ambition; it is a fundamental requirement for development. It generates employment for our youth, stimulates industrialization, increases government revenue, and positions Africa competitively in the burgeoning industries of the future," he remarked.
He further indicated that the ongoing reconfiguration of global supply chains presents Africa with an unprecedented opportunity. However, he cautioned that achieving success will necessitate robust governance, stable policies, transparency, environmental stewardship, and an attractive investment climate.
Mr. Alake concluded by stating that the discourse surrounding minerals extends beyond the mining industry itself, fundamentally relating to Africa's industrial future, economic autonomy, and enduring prosperity.
"With visionary leadership, strategic alliances, and continent-wide collaboration, Africa can successfully transition from being merely resource- rich to becoming genuinely value-rich," he affirmed.
Lara Owoeye-Wise,
Special Assistant on Media to the Minister
April 29, 2026
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