BALA WUNTI’S GLOBAL CALL: AFRICA MUST ADD VALUE TO ITS CRITICAL MINERALS


 


By Umar Umb | Insight Tribune News


Africa stands at a critical economic crossroads as global demand for lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth minerals continues to rise.


Speaking at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York, the Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council Nigeria, Bala Wunti, warned African countries against repeating the economic pattern of the crude oil era—exporting raw resources while importing finished products.


Wunti argued that Africa’s vast mineral reserves should become the foundation for industrialisation, job creation, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth, rather than another cycle of raw-material exports.


He noted that the global energy landscape is changing rapidly, with critical minerals becoming increasingly important to electric vehicles, renewable energy, battery technologies and advanced manufacturing.


According to Wunti, Africa’s challenge is therefore not simply to extract minerals, but to build the industries capable of processing them and capturing greater value within the continent.


He also stressed the importance of reliable geological data, transparent regulations, infrastructure and bankable projects in attracting serious international investment.


His message at the global summit was clear: Africa must learn from its oil experience and ensure that the next era of critical minerals creates industries and prosperity at home.


Insight Tribune News, Abuja, Nigeria

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