President Tinubu Sends Strong Message to the West: "No More Raw Materials Without Value Addition"

Abuja, Nigeria – June 25, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a strong and uncompromising message to Western nations and global investors, declaring that Africa can no longer afford to export its natural resources in raw form while importing expensive finished products.

Speaking at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026) in Abuja, the Nigerian leader urged African countries to embrace industrialization, local processing, and value addition as the pathway to economic prosperity. He stressed that the era of exporting raw minerals and resources without creating jobs and industries at home must come to an end.

Tinubu stated that Africa possesses some of the world's most valuable mineral and energy resources, yet continues to receive only a fraction of their true economic value because processing and manufacturing largely take place outside the continent. He argued that Africa must build its own factories, train its workforce, and develop strong value chains that keep wealth within the continent.

"Africa must no longer export its future in raw form and import prosperity in finished form," the President said, emphasizing that Africa's resources should create jobs and opportunities for African citizens rather than enriching foreign economies.

The President also called for greater cooperation among African nations, urging countries to connect mining, refining, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure across borders. According to him, regional integration is essential if Africa is to compete effectively in the global economy.

His remarks come amid growing efforts by Nigeria to strengthen local processing industries. The government has introduced policies encouraging value addition in the mining sector and has attracted major investments in lithium processing facilities aimed at boosting industrial development and job creation.

Industry observers see Tinubu's position as part of a broader movement across Africa to end decades of resource exploitation and ensure that the continent captures a greater share of the wealth generated from its natural resources. Similar calls have been made by African leaders seeking to transform the continent from a supplier of raw materials into a global manufacturing and industrial powerhouse.

As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, President Tinubu's message signals a new determination among African nations to negotiate from a position of strength and ensure that future investments deliver lasting benefits to their people.

The message from Abuja is clear: Africa's resources must work for Africa first.