President Bola Tinubu declared that Africa, rich in natural resources, especially solid minerals, no longer needs to rely on aid and grants from the global community. Speaking at the Africa Minerals Strategy Group’s high-level event in New York, Tinubu emphasized that Africa’s resources are critical to the world more than ever before.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted that Africa has learned from past exploitation, including the slave trade and unequal trade relations, and now has the opportunity to change its narrative. He referenced the historical trading relationship between Africa and Europe, noting how diplomatic and commercial exchanges existed long before the era of colonial exploitation.
Tinubu called for a return to this era of mutual economic collaboration rather than exploitation, urging African nations to seize the moment for social, economic, and political independence.
He emphasized that modern technologies, such as lithium-ion battery innovations, are driving the global need for Africa’s critical minerals. Africa holds the majority of the world’s reserves of platinum, cobalt, manganese, and chromium, all essential for the production of advanced batteries and cleaner technologies.
The Nigerian President concluded by noting that Africa must position itself as a key player in the global economy, stressing that Africa’s resources are indispensable to the global shift towards green technology and environmental sustainability.