Statement by the Secretary-General: Africa’s Mineral Beneficiation Imperative
Africa stands at a decisive moment in its development journey. As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, the continent must determine whether it will remain a supplier of raw materials or emerge as a centre of industrial production, innovation and value creation.
01. Africa Must Move Beyond Extraction
For decades, Africa has supplied the minerals that power industries around the world while capturing only a small fraction of the value generated from them. This model has enriched global supply chains but has not fully translated into industrial transformation across the continent.
The future cannot be built on extraction alone. Africa must increasingly focus on processing, refining, manufacturing and industrial development if it is to capture greater value from its mineral wealth.
02. Beneficiation is an Economic Imperative
Every ton of ore exported without processing represents more than a missed commercial opportunity. It represents jobs not created, industries not established, skills not transferred and wealth not retained within Africa.
Beneficiation is therefore not simply a mining policy. It is an economic development strategy capable of supporting industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology advancement and long-term prosperity.
03. Africa Must Speak With One Voice
The continent possesses some of the world’s most strategic mineral resources. However, fragmented approaches often weaken Africa’s collective bargaining position and reduce opportunities for shared growth.
Through stronger cooperation, harmonised policies and coordinated mineral diplomacy, African countries can strengthen their influence and negotiate partnerships that support industrial development and value addition.
04. Strategic Partnerships Must Create Shared Value
Africa welcomes investment and international cooperation. However, the next generation of partnerships must extend beyond extraction and commodity exports.
Partnerships should support industrial capacity, technology transfer, skills development, infrastructure investment and local manufacturing ecosystems that generate lasting benefits for African economies.
05. The Future of Beneficiation is Also Digital
As global supply chains become increasingly digital and transparent, Africa must play a leading role in shaping the systems that govern mineral traceability, verification and responsible sourcing.
Digital innovation offers new opportunities to strengthen trust, improve transparency and enhance Africa’s participation within global mineral markets. The future of value addition will be both physical and digital.
06. Closing Message
Africa’s minerals are not simply commodities to be exported. They are strategic assets capable of supporting industrialisation, economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
The responsibility of this generation is clear: to transform Africa’s mineral wealth into African industries, African technologies and African opportunity.
Africa’s minerals are not a destiny to be extracted — they are a future to be built.
Adapted from the opening remarks delivered by H.E. Moses Micheal Engadu, Secretary-General of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, at the Ministerial Forum of the inaugural African Mining Week 2025, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, on 1 October 2025.
