‘Africa must stop exporting raw materials’ –Ex-AfDB President Adesina

Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has urged African countries to prioritise industrialisation, local manufacturing and technological innovation instead of relying on raw material exports.

According to SaharaReporters, Adesina made the call at the BPI Iconic Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 8, 2026.

He stressed that Africa must process its natural resources locally, develop industries and invest in emerging technologies to achieve sustainable economic growth.

Adesina highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a crucial platform for expanding regional trade and strengthening industrial development.

He also emphasised investment in education, skills and innovation, declaring that “Africa’s greatest asset is its people.”

Calling for responsible leadership, Adesina stated, “The national interest must stand above all other interests.”

He cited Nigeria’s $20 billion Dangote Refinery as an example of transformative industrial investment capable of creating jobs, strengthening domestic production and reducing Africa’s dependence on foreign processing facilities.