Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has stressed the need for Africa to speak with one voice in developing mineral resources on the continent.
The minister stressed that the Africa Minerals Strategy Group formed in 2024 is driving a uniformity in policy initiative and regulatory framework.
In a statement issued by his Special assistant on Media, Mr Segun Tomori, and made available to newsmen, Alake was said to have spoken on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.
He stressed the need for an end to mineral exploitation on the continent, noting that Africa’s mineral resources have long been a key asset on the continent, hence the need for a cohesive strategy and uniform policies.
According to Alake, the global shift towards green energy has placed a spotlight on the importance of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel in powering the transition.
The minister emphasised the significance of local value addition, whereby minerals are processed locally to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
“As Africa navigates the transition towards green energy and sustainable mineral development, the role of the AMSG in driving policy coherence and regulatory alignment will be pivotal.
“By fostering unity among African nations and promoting a shared vision for the sector, the group aims to reshape the narrative of mineral exploitation on the continent, with a focus on local value addition, technological transfer, and environmental sustainability.
“The AMSG is set to play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s mineral industry for the future.
