- “We must ensure African nations benefit first and fully from their critical minerals through fair, sustainable value chains
- His remarks come amid rising global competition for essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements
- Experts note that Guterres’ remarks highlight growing international recognition of Africa’s critical role in future energy
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged African nations to become the main beneficiaries of the continent’s abundant critical minerals, emphasizing that the era of exploitation and unequal trade practices must end.
In a post shared on Monday via X, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Guterres called for fair and sustainable industrial policies that allow African countries to capture the full economic value of their natural resources.
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“We must ensure African nations benefit first and fully from their critical minerals through fair, sustainable value chains and manufacturing. No more plundering. No more exploitation. The people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa,” he wrote.
His remarks come amid rising global competition for essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are critical for clean energy, electric vehicles, and modern technology production.
Although African countries hold a significant portion of these resources, many argue that they gain little under systems focused on exporting raw materials instead of processing and manufacturing locally.
Guterres’ statement aligns with his recent discussions at African Union engagements, where he encouraged global partners to support industrialization and help mineral-rich African nations move up the value chain through local processing and sustainable development strategies.
“This is not just about economics; it is about justice. Nations that host these minerals should benefit first, create jobs, and foster local industries,” he added.
Experts note that Guterres’ remarks highlight growing international recognition of Africa’s critical role in future energy and tech supply chains, with increasing calls for reforms that emphasize refining, processing, and manufacturing within the continent rather than relying solely on raw exports.
African leaders are expected to welcome the message, as they continue advocating for equitable trade and investment frameworks that prioritize sustainable development over exploitative models.
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