Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has emphasized the need for African nations to unite in formulating policies that would guarantee maximizing the mining sector for the continent’s development.
Alake stated this while speaking at the fourth Future Minerals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He noted that communities in Africa must be able to benefit from the mineral deposits in their regions.
Naija News reports that the fourth annual Future Minerals Forum (FMF), themed ‘Year of Impact’ was held from January 14–16, 2025.
In a statement on Friday, Alake stated that with global shift toward green energy, African nations must tilt their policies to align with sustainability by maximizing mineral deposits like lithium, cobalt and nickel.
He called on the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) which aims to establish a cohesive policy and regulatory framework to address mineral exploitation on the continent to lead the charge.
“The AMSG serves as a platform for African nations to collaborate and promote local value addition, ensuring that communities benefit from the resources found within their borders. With the global shift toward green energy highlighting the importance of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, it’s essential for us to align our policies and priorities.
“By working together, we can counter-historical exploitation and foster sustainable practices that attract responsible investments,” he said.
The Minister of Solid Minerals pointed out the need for African nations to overcome technological capacity challenges, which can be addressed through partnerships with developed nations to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
“As we strive for unity among African nations, the AMSG will play a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative of mineral development on the continent, focusing on sustainability, technological transfer, and local economic growth,” he added.