African leaders call for greater local processing of minerals
African leaders on Monday called for stronger cooperation among countries on mineral policies and increased local processing of mineral resources to create jobs, develop industries and ensure the continent retains more value from its natural wealth.
They made the call at the opening of the second edition of the African Minerals Policy Forum, also known as Mining in Motion 2026 (AMPF-MiM) in Accra.
The conference seeks to promote a common African approach to mineral resource governance, strengthen regional value chains and attract investment in processing and manufacturing to support industrial development across the continent.
President John Mahama, who opened the conference, said Africa must move beyond exporting raw minerals to producing finished and semi-finished goods that support its economies.
“For generations, in my country, Ghana, ships have departed from our port in Takoradi carrying Ghanaian manganese and bauxite. Much of this material has supplied industries in other parts of the world, while we have imported the finished products made from these mineral ores,” he said.
He said Ghana was targeting an end to exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030 through phased restrictions supported by legal measures and implementation timelines.
Achieving that goal required investments in processing facilities, reliable energy, transport infrastructure, technology, skills and financing, he said.
The President said African countries must also coordinate their negotiating positions to prevent internal competition from weakening their ability to secure better terms from mining companies.
Madam Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, said Africa holds nearly 30 per cent of the world’s critical mineral reserves but captures only a small share of the value generated by them.
“This is Africa’s great paradox: we have immense mineral wealth, yet insufficient industrial value and prosperity for our people,” she said.
Madam Belobe said the continent needed to move from mineral extraction to processing, manufacturing and the development of competitive African businesses.
She called for stronger implementation of continental frameworks, including the African Mining Vision, the African Green Minerals Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to support regional value chains.
Mr Jeremiah Koung, Vice-President of Liberia, said African countries should adopt common principles on mineral development while respecting their individual national circumstances.
“The African Mineral Vision provides the foundation,” he said, calling for the continent to translate its mineral development goals into investments and measurable results.
He identified regional infrastructure, reliable geological information, transparent mineral agreements, community benefits and responsible artisanal and small-scale mining as priorities for cooperation.
Mr Koung said mining communities should benefit from local employment, business opportunities and environmental protection, adding that plans for mine closure and livelihood restoration must begin before extraction ended.
Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said Ghana was pursuing reforms to improve local participation, strengthen community protections and link mineral extraction to domestic processing and manufacturing.
Cabinet, he noted, had approved a revised minerals and mining policy and endorsed proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act for parliamentary consideration.
“Our citizens have equally legitimate expectations. They want jobs, skills, opportunities for local enterprise, protection of their environment, and a fair share of the prosperity produced from their own resources,” he said.
The Minister said the Government was also strengthening local content and procurement to enable Ghanaian businesses to participate meaningfully in the mining industry.
He called on African countries to identify regional mineral value chains, coordinate infrastructure investments and work with the private sector to develop commercially viable processing opportunities.
Speakers at the Summit agreed that partnerships with foreign investors remained important but should deliver technology transfer, skilled employment, stronger African enterprises and lasting benefits for mining communities.
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