Foreign tech dependence threatens Africa resource control – Minister
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, has said Africa cannot achieve genuine economic independence without developing its own science, technology and innovation capabilities. Udeh said African countries must reduce their dependence on foreign technology and strengthen local research and innovation to maximise the benefits of their natural resources. The…
Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has warned that Africa's economic independence is at risk due to its heavy reliance on foreign technology. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 2026 Africa Raw Materials Summit, Udeh emphasized the need for African nations to reduce their dependence on foreign technology and bolster local research and innovation.
He asserted that without technological self-reliance, African countries cannot achieve political and economic independence.
Udeh responded to questions on how Nigeria could ensure that indigenous technology was utilized in the exploitation of raw materials to prevent foreign investors from withholding crucial information about these resources and their commercial value. He stated that Nigeria's ambition of a $1 trillion gross domestic product requires the establishment of a knowledge-based economy, which includes pursuing initiatives to support research, commercialize discoveries, and encourage industries to adopt locally developed technologies.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is proposing amendments to the law establishing the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), with the aim of introducing a minimum of 30 percent value addition to raw materials before export. This measure is intended to shift Nigeria from exporting unprocessed commodities to producing semi-finished and finished goods. The proposed legislation aims to encourage local processing, with incentives provided to promote compliance among industry players.
Additionally, the RMRDC is expected to support this process by conducting research into the potential uses of raw materials and providing essential knowledge for manufacturers to develop marketable products. The government is also working towards establishing the National Research and Innovation Development Fund to support research and commercialization efforts.
Udeh stressed that research institutions and universities must transition from merely producing findings to ensuring their discoveries are translated into products, services, and industrial applications.
The Africa Raw Materials Summit, organized by the RMRDC, will gather policymakers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to review progress made since the inaugural edition and develop practical solutions to challenges facing the continent's raw materials sector. The summit will offer African countries an opportunity to share experiences, learn from successful initiatives, and establish mechanisms for tracking commitments and reviewing implementation across participating nations.
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