Statement by the Secretary-General on Africa’s Mineral Leadership in the Global Energy Transition

Africa stands at the centre of the global energy, digital and defence transition. The question before the continent is whether it will remain a supplier of raw minerals or rise as a coordinated force shaping the future of global mineral governance.

01. Africa’s Second Chance

The world is entering a new scramble for Africa’s critical minerals. Unlike the scramble of the past, this moment gives Africa a second chance: a chance to lead with vision, responsibility, strategic coordination and decisive action.

Africa’s minerals must no longer be treated only as rocks beneath the soil. They must be recognised as instruments of dignity, industrialisation, energy security and continental transformation.

02. From Scattered Strength to Collective Power

Africa is rich in cobalt, lithium, graphite, platinum, iron ore, gas, uranium, rare earths and many other resources essential to the global transition. Yet scattered national approaches risk weakening the continent’s bargaining power.

Through collective mineral diplomacy, Africa can negotiate as a bloc, shape global rules, strengthen supply chain resilience and secure partnerships that support industrial development rather than extraction alone.

03. Exploration and Data Sovereignty

Africa cannot develop what it has not discovered. Exploration, geological mapping, resource classification and data sovereignty are essential foundations for Africa’s mineral future.

Modern exploration, AI-assisted geological intelligence and continental reporting frameworks will allow Africa to map, classify and manage its resources from a position of knowledge and strength.

04. Processing Where We Produce

Africa must move decisively up the value chain through beneficiation, processing and local manufacturing. The export of unrefined minerals must give way to regional processing hubs, industrial corridors and manufacturing ecosystems that create jobs for Africa’s youth.

Processing where Africa produces is not only an economic strategy. It is a sovereignty strategy, an employment strategy and a critical minerals security strategy.

05. Financing Africa’s Mineral Future

Africa’s mineral future must be financed through Africa’s own resources, supported by sovereign capital, blended finance, strategic partnerships and innovative instruments such as the Africa Mineral Token.

The goal is clear: Africa’s minerals must fund Africa’s dreams, not only external balance sheets.

06. Responsible Sourcing and Mineral Security

As global demand for critical minerals grows, Africa must define the standards by which its resources are traded, tracked and trusted. Responsible sourcing is not only a compliance matter; it is an expression of sovereignty.

Through African-led frameworks such as ARMSI, the continent can move from rule-taker to rule-shaper while strengthening transparency, formalising trade and protecting communities.

07. Closing Message

Africa’s mineral moment requires unity of purpose. The continent must rise together with vision, responsibility and courage to turn its minerals from a source of vulnerability into a foundation for prosperity.

This is not only about minerals. It is about young Africans who deserve industries, dignity, hope and a future built from the wealth of their own continent.

If Africa wants to go far, Africa must go together.