Minister urges Africa to boost mineral value through cooperation
Oladele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, has called for greater regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s position in global mineral supply chains. Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, he warned that Africa risks missing out on the benefits of its mineral wealth if countries act alone. Alake emphasised the need for value addition, policy alignment, and harmonised regulations to drive industrial growth. He highlighted the role of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group in uniting countries for a shared development agenda.
TLDR
- Oladele Alake stressed that Africa must move beyond exporting raw minerals and focus on value addition.
- He called for harmonisation of mining regulations, development of cross-border infrastructure, and promotion of intra-African trade.
- The Africa Minerals Strategy Group, established in January 2023, has grown from 16 to 31 member states.
- Alake said the group helps African countries negotiate better terms globally and retain more value from their resources.
- He believes that with the right reforms and cooperation, Africa can become a leader in mineral-based industries rather than just a supplier of raw materials.
