Tinubu Calls on African Nations to End the Exploitation of Its Mineral Resources

President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to work together to end the exploitation of the continent’s mineral resources by ensuring that minerals are processed and refined locally before being exported.

Speaking on Tuesday while receiving members of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the need for African nations to strengthen their position in the global minerals market and move away from being mere suppliers of raw materials to developed economies.

According to the president, Africa’s vast mineral wealth has the potential to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and improve the living standards of its people if properly managed.

He urged countries across the continent to invest in research, development, and refining facilities to maximise the economic benefits of their natural resources.

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of technology transfer, regional cooperation, and the development of value chains that keep more of the benefits of mineral extraction within Africa.

Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and chairman of AMSG, Dele Alake, commended Tinubu for supporting reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.

He said the president’s push for local value addition has gained traction across Africa, with some countries already taking steps to restrict the export of raw minerals.

Alake noted that members of the group are in Abuja for the fifth African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), which focuses on promoting sustainable resource management, beneficiation, and industrial development across the continent.