Minister Alake Calls for United African Approach to Strengthen Mineral Economy

Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 27, 2026

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Dele Alake, has called for stronger regional cooperation among African nations to position the continent as a key player in global mineral supply chains.

He made the call while speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, where he emphasized Africa’s strategic importance in the emerging global industrial era driven by critical minerals, clean energy technologies, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing.

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the Minister noted that despite Africa’s vast deposits of lithium and other rare earth minerals, the continent continues to earn only a fraction of the value derived from its resources.

He stressed the need for value addition within Africa, urging countries to move beyond raw material exports and focus on local processing and industrial development.

Alake also advocated for the expansion of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which was established in 2023 with 16 founding member states and has since grown to 31 countries, noting that it should play a stronger role in driving policy coordination and resource development across the continent.

He reaffirmed that deeper cooperation would help Africa unlock greater economic value from its mineral wealth and strengthen its position in the global economy.