Africa Mineral Value Chain Cooperation
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Apr 29, 2026 · Last updated Apr 30, 2026
The call for stronger regional cooperation and value addition in Africa's mineral sector, led by Henry Dele Alake, could significantly impact global mineral supply chains by shifting Africa from a raw material exporter to a value-added producer. This transformation, if successful, would enhance Africa's economic sovereignty and potentially lead to higher revenues for African nations, while also influencing the pricing and availability of critical minerals for global industries.
Henry Dele Alake, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, has urged African nations to strengthen regional cooperation to maximize value from their vast mineral resources. Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition 2026, Henry Dele Alake highlighted that Africa, despite possessing critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, only captures a fraction of the economic value due to its reliance on exporting raw materials. He emphasized that a fragmented approach weakens Africa's bargaining power and called for harmonized mining policies, cross-border infrastructure, and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which has grown to 31 member states, is presented as a key platform for building a unified voice and negotiating fairer terms with global partners. Henry Dele Alake stressed that value addition, through processing, refining, and manufacturing, is crucial for job creation, industrialization, and economic sovereignty, positioning Africa competitively in future industries.
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