Shettima calls on Africa to end raw mineral exports, boost local processing

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged African countries to end decades of exporting mineral resources without capturing sufficient value through processing, industrialisation and manufacturing.

Speaking for President Bola Tinubu at a minerals roundtable in New York, Shettima said Africa could not consider itself wealthy while communities surrounding mineral deposits remained poor.

According to Channels Television, Shettima called for continental coordination, integrated markets, regional processing hubs and cross-border mineral corridors.

He highlighted Nigeria’s mining reforms, including local value addition, formalisation of artisanal miners and action against illegal mining.

Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake also proposed an African Artisanal Mining Formalisation and Safety Facility to improve licensing, equipment access, occupational safety, environmental rehabilitation and emergency preparedness across mining communities on the continent.