Abuja: President Bola Tinubu emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in the world’s industrial future, citing the continent’s wealth of critical minerals as a foundational element. Speaking at the fifth African Natural Resources and Energy Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, highlighted the theme of the summit, ‘One Africa, One Resource Vision,’ focusing on Africa’s resource-driven transformation. He stressed the impossibility of a true industrial future without Africa, warning against the continent’s continued role as merely a raw materials supplier while others reap the benefits.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu underscored the necessity for Africa to abandon fragmented approaches in favor of unity, enabling the continent to negotiate from a position of strength. He urged African nations to develop shared strategies for resources, energy, and industrial growth, emphasizing the importance of processing and manufacturing within Afri
ca to build stronger local value chains. The President highlighted Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fostering a diversified, production-driven economy, which aligns with the vision of resource-based development.
Tinubu called for harmonized regulations and reduced barriers to intra-African trade, advocating for improved infrastructure, local enterprise support, and transparent investment frameworks. He envisioned a new resource compact to transform Africa’s resources into prosperity. Dr. Alake supported these views, stating that Africa’s resource future could not be secured through isolated actions. He emphasized the need for minerals, energy systems, infrastructure, and markets to work collaboratively across borders.
Alake noted that while rising demand for critical minerals has placed Africa at the center of global development, natural resources alone cannot guarantee economic transformation. He called for credible regulation, infrastructure, technology, and skills development as prerequisites to u
nlocking Africa’s potential. Alake mentioned Nigeria’s efforts in strengthening mining regulations and transparency, expressing openness to investors willing to process locally and create jobs. He stressed the importance of technology transfer, community respect, and transparency in partnerships.
Alake identified innovative financing as crucial for Africa’s mineral and energy expansion and described infrastructure gaps as major obstacles limiting resource development. He highlighted transport, power, and logistics gaps as barriers to Africa’s full potential and urged summit participants to support bankable projects and regional value chains. Alake concluded by encouraging attendees to work towards an Africa that shapes value and builds industries.