The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has called for stronger cooperation among African countries to improve benefits from the continent’s mineral resources.
He made the call at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026.
He explained that Africa is central to the global demand for critical minerals used in clean energy and technology.
Dr. Alake noted that Africa is rich in minerals such as lithium, cobalt, gold, copper and rare earth elements, but still earns limited value because most exports are unprocessed.
He said the continent must move from exporting raw materials to processing and adding value locally to create jobs and grow economies.
According to him, no African country can achieve this alone, stressing the need for regional cooperation and shared strategies.
He urged African nations to harmonise mining policies, improve infrastructure, and strengthen trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Alake also said the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, now with 31 member countries, is working to build a unified approach to mineral development.
He added that value addition remains key to industrial growth, job creation and economic development across Africa.
The minister said ongoing global supply chain changes offer Africa an opportunity, but only if countries adopt stable policies and improve governance.
He added that Africa must shift from being resource-rich to becoming value-driven through cooperation and investment in processing industries.
