African leaders have called for stronger cooperation on mineral policies and greater local processing of natural resources to create jobs, expand manufacturing and ensure that African countries retain more value from their mineral wealth.
The call was made on October 19, 2026, at the opening of the second African Minerals Policy Forum, also known as Mining in Motion 2026, in Accra.
President John Dramani Mahama, who opened the conference, said Africa must move beyond exporting raw minerals and increase the production of finished and semi-finished goods to support economic development.
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The forum seeks to promote a common African approach to mineral resource governance, strengthen regional value chains and attract investment in processing and manufacturing.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the importance of local participation, community protection and stronger links between mineral extraction and domestic industrial development.
He also said the government was pursuing reforms to strengthen local content and procurement, giving Ghanaian businesses greater opportunities to participate in the mining industry.
Participants emphasised that partnerships with foreign investors should deliver technology transfer, skilled employment, stronger African enterprises and lasting benefits for mining communities.
The discussions reflect a broader continental push to transform mineral resources into sustainable industrial growth rather than depend primarily on raw material exports.
Source: Ghana News Agency, October 19, 2026.
