Statement by the Secretary-General: Redefining Critical Minerals for Africa – From Resources to Power

Africa stands at a defining moment. The world is being reshaped by the energy transition, the digital revolution and the reconfiguration of global defence systems. At the centre of all three transformations are critical minerals.

01. Africa Must Redefine Critical Minerals

For too long, critical minerals have been defined primarily through the lens of global markets and the energy transition. That definition is important, but for Africa it is incomplete. Critical minerals must also be understood through Africa’s own priorities: food security, housing, infrastructure, industrialisation, technology and economic sovereignty.

For Africa, phosphate is critical for food security. Limestone is critical for housing and infrastructure. Iron and steel are critical for industrialisation. Graphite, manganese and rare earths are critical for technology and future industries.

02. From Extraction to Value

Africa is rich in resources and powerful in potential, but the continent has not fully captured the value of what it produces. Africa holds significant shares of the world’s mineral reserves, yet continues to process and manufacture only a fraction of the value generated from its resources.

This must change. Value is not created in extraction alone. It is created in processing, refining, manufacturing, financing and controlling mineral value chains.

03. Africa as a Strategic Solution

Critical mineral processing remains highly concentrated globally. This concentration creates vulnerability for global supply chains. Diversifying processing is no longer optional; it is essential for global stability.

Africa must therefore be seen not merely as a supplier of minerals, but as a strategic solution. Investing in Africa’s processing capacity is not only an African opportunity; it is a matter of global supply chain security.

04. Structure Unlocks Capital

Africa does not lack capital. Africa lacks structure. Investment can be unlocked through policy certainty, de-risking mechanisms, blended finance, value chain development, data transparency and strategic partnerships.

This is why the Africa Minerals Strategy Group exists: to bring Africa together, speak with one voice, negotiate with one strategy and build value collectively.

05. Africa Must Write Its Own Story

Beyond policy, capital and infrastructure, there is another force shaping Africa’s future: narrative. Too often, Africa is described through a narrow lens of risk, instability, corruption, insecurity and policy uncertainty.

That narrative affects investment flows, risk ratings, cost of capital and global partnerships. In a world where perception drives capital, telling the right story is not public relations; it is economic strategy.

06. Closing Message

Africa does not lack minerals. Africa does not lack opportunity. The question is not whether Africa has the resources. The question is whether Africa has the courage to define them, process them and control their value.

Wakati wa Afrika si kesho… ni sasa.
The time for Africa is not tomorrow. It is now.