Statement by the Secretary-General at AFNIS 2026: Africa’s Minerals, Africa’s Future

Africa stands at one of the most decisive moments in its economic history. As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, the continent must choose whether it will remain a supplier of raw materials or become a leader in value creation, industrial development and strategic mineral governance.

01. Africa Must Lead Its Own Mineral Future

The future of Africa cannot be determined solely by global demand for its resources. It must be shaped by Africa’s own aspirations, institutions and strategic decisions.

Minerals are not merely commodities to be exported. They are national assets capable of transforming economies, creating industries and improving the lives of millions of Africans.

02. Unity is Africa’s Greatest Strategic Asset

No African nation, regardless of the size of its mineral endowment, can fully transform the continent acting alone. The future belongs to cooperation, coordinated policy and collective negotiation.

Africa’s greatest competitive advantage is not found beneath its soil alone. It lies in the ability of African nations to act together with one purpose and one strategy.

03. Exploration Before Extraction

Africa cannot sustainably develop resources it has not fully discovered. Geological mapping, exploration and mineral intelligence must become continental priorities.

Every geological survey undertaken today becomes tomorrow’s investment opportunity, tomorrow’s mine and tomorrow’s industrial ecosystem.

04. Value Must Remain in Africa

Africa must gradually move beyond an economic model built primarily on the export of raw materials. The future lies in processing, refining, manufacturing and technology.

Every additional stage of value creation generates employment, strengthens industries, transfers technology and increases Africa’s participation in global prosperity.

05. Institutions Matter

Strong institutions provide certainty for investors, confidence for governments and trust for citizens. The Africa Minerals Strategy Group was established to become one of those institutions—bringing Member Nations together around common objectives, coordinated policies and shared opportunities.

When institutions are strong, partnerships flourish. When partnerships flourish, investment follows.

06. From Resources to Prosperity

Africa’s minerals must finance African infrastructure, African research, African industries and African innovation. They must become instruments of peace, prosperity and shared development.

This requires strategic financing, responsible governance, environmental stewardship and long-term vision.

07. A Continental Responsibility

The responsibility before this generation is greater than discovering minerals. It is to ensure that future generations inherit stronger institutions, more diversified economies and a continent that captures greater value from its natural resources.

History will judge us not by the minerals we extracted, but by the prosperity we created.

08. Closing Message

Africa possesses the resources required to power the industries of the future. It now has an opportunity to power its own transformation.

The future belongs to African nations that cooperate, innovate, invest and lead together. The future belongs to a continent that transforms resources into industries, industries into prosperity and prosperity into lasting opportunity for its people.

The time for Africa is not approaching. The time for Africa has arrived.