‘Africa cannot continue exporting jobs and importing poverty’

By Kizito CUDJOE

Africa must stop shipping raw minerals overseas and begin building industries that create jobs, retain wealth and drive industrialisation at home, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, has said.

Speaking at the 2026 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) opening in Accra, Mr. Alake argued that the continent risks missing out on economic benefits from the global energy transition if it remains primarily an exporter of unprocessed mineral resources.

His comments come as global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, rare earths, manganese and bauxite continues to rise, driven by growing investment in electric vehicles, battery storage systems and renewable energy technologies.

“We must move from exporting raw minerals to exporting value-added products, industrial inputs, technology components and refined materials that create jobs, strengthen regional economies and increase domestic revenue retention,” he said.

“Africa cannot continue exporting jobs and importing poverty.”

Mr Alake said the continent is presented with a rare opportunity to reposition itself within global supply chains by developing local processing, refining and manufacturing industries centred on its mineral wealth.

He noted Nigeria is pursuing reforms aimed at shifting its mining sector away from a traditional ‘pit-to-port’ model toward a ‘mine-to-market framework that prioritises beneficiation, local processing and downstream industrial development.

The objective, he said, is to ensure that more value generated from mineral resources remains within African economies rather than being captured elsewhere.

The minister also highlighted the growing link between mining and energy, saying the future competitiveness of Africa’s mineral sector will depend in part on access to reliable and sustainable power.

“As global industries pursue decarbonisation, Africa has an opportunity to build mining systems powered increasingly by cleaner energy sources, while also leveraging critical minerals to support the global energy transition,” he said.

Mr. Alake however cautioned that no country can achieve these ambitions in isolation, calling for stronger regional cooperation.

“We must strengthen collaboration in infrastructure development, mineral value chains, energy connectivity, trade facilitation, research and innovation, capacity building, and investment promotion,” he said.

The conference, now in its 19th edition, was held under the theme ‘How Can Responsible Mining and Power Accelerate West Africa’s Sustainable Development?’

Organised by DMG Events, the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Events & Projects International Ltd. (EPI), it was expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors, over 250 exhibitors and participants from more than 20 countries.

It brought together policymakers, mining executives, investors, service providers and development partners to discuss critical minerals, energy security, value addition and sustainable industrial growth across the region.

Echoing the call for greater value addition, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, said the future of mining in West Africa will be determined not merely by resource extraction but the ability of countries to process minerals, develop supply chains and provide reliable power for industrial growth.

“The future of mining in West Africa will not be defined solely by extraction. It will be defined by who adds value, who controls supply chains, who processes and refines minerals and who can provide reliable, affordable power to support industrial growth,” he said.

Dr. Ashigbey maintained that West Africa remains well-positioned to attract investment as global demand for critical minerals accelerates, but stressed investors increasingly prioritise policy certainty, regulatory clarity and stable operating environments.

He reiterated recent assurances by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources that mining lease matters will continue to be handled on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the law, adding nationalisation of mines is not government policy.

It will be recalled that the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, assured industry players that government is committed to an industry which is predictable, transparent and rules-based.

Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders, he stressed that government is committed to working with investors who come into the country with a win-win mindset and get a good return on their investments, but know they will leave value for Ghana.

“These assurances reinforce Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a stable, predictable and investor-friendly mining environment,” Dr. Ashigbey said.

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