Tinubu Calls for Africa to Utilize Mineral Wealth for Growth

During the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on African nations to harness their vast natural resources for industrial growth and economic prosperity. He stated that Africa should move beyond being mere suppliers of raw materials and become a global hub for value-added manufacturing and energy products.

Tinubu highlighted the continent's rich deposits of oil, gas, lithium, cobalt, gold, copper, and iron ore, stressing the importance of processing these resources domestically. He advocated for stronger regional cooperation in trade, energy, and investment, suggesting that African countries should support industrial energy projects that serve regional markets.

Tinubu also emphasized the need for policies that encourage investment, reduce barriers to intra-African trade, and strengthen resource management transparency. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to expanding energy access and integrating renewable energy into the economy, noting that millions of Africans lack reliable electricity.