Alake Advocates Transformative Industrialisation of Africa’s Mineral Resources

Alake Advocates Transformative Industrialisation of Africa’s Mineral Resources

In a bold and visionary address at the African Mining Week held in Cape Town, South Africa, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Dele Alake, called for a paradigm shift in Africa’s approach to its vast mineral wealth.

Speaking under the theme “Vision & Strategy, Setting the Stage for Minerals Industrialisation,” Alake challenged the continent to move beyond its historical role as a supplier of raw minerals and embrace transformative industrialisation that positions Africa as a global leader in mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialisation.

Alake, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo, described the current state of Africa’s mineral economy as paradoxical. He lamented that while African minerals have powered industrialisation across the globe, the continent itself remains under-industrialised. He declared that this paradox must end, urging African nations to adopt a clear vision that transitions from extractive dependence to value-added industrialisation. According to him, the time has come for Africa to become not just a participant in the global minerals economy but a driver of its future.

The Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Africa’s mineral resources in powering the 21st-century economy, noting their critical role in clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security. He emphasized that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, and these resources must be harnessed to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and foster sustainable development. Alake passionately argued that African youth should no longer seek employment abroad when opportunities lie buried beneath their feet.

Nigeria’s efforts to lead this transformation were showcased during the ministerial roundtable of the AMSG. Alake outlined Nigeria’s ambitious plan to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through resource-based industrialisation. He revealed ongoing reforms aimed at incentivising local beneficiation, from gold refining to lithium processing. Dormant mining licenses are being revoked to encourage serious investment, while governance and transparency are being strengthened to attract credible global partners. A national critical minerals strategy is also being developed to guide these efforts.

In his remarks, Alake stressed the importance of digitising mining processes to enhance data accessibility and mineral traceability. He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that minerals are sourced either from licensed holders or from registered and formalised Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM). This approach, he said, would ensure traceability from mining to monetisation, thereby boosting investor confidence and regulatory oversight.

Echoing the sentiments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake urged African countries to prioritise comprehensive mapping of their mineral resources. He argued that understanding the location and scale of deposits is essential for effective planning and supervision. He further called on governments to ensure that only licensed operators are permitted to mine and to build adequate institutional capacity for oversight.

Nigeria’s presence at the African Mining Week was further solidified during the country spotlight session, where the Permanent Secretary presented investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector. The presentation highlighted key reforms, incentives for investors, and a synopsis of Nigeria’s strategic direction in mineral development.

Dr. Alake’s advocacy marks a significant moment in Africa’s industrial journey. His call for transformative industrialisation is not merely a policy proposal but a rallying cry for a continent poised to redefine its economic destiny through the strategic harnessing of its mineral wealth.