African mineral value addition in focus at ‘Mining in Motion Conference’

The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Chief Executive Officer, Justina Nelson, emphasized the significance of investment, data sharing, and regional cooperation in enabling African nations to derive greater value from their mineral resources. This perspective was shared during a ministerial roundtable on mineral value addition and beneficiation at the African Minerals Policy Forum, also known as the Mining in Motion Conference, held in Accra on October 19, 2026.

The gathering included representatives from African governments, continental organizations, and international development bodies, who convened to examine strategies to transition from the exportation of raw minerals to local processing and manufacturing. Nelson highlighted the prospects afforded by government policies aimed at enticing investment and promoting value addition along the mining value chain.

She stressed that these initiatives could foster job creation, bolster local industries, and augment the economic gains African countries reap from their mineral resources.

Nelson underscored the importance of exchanging geological and other pertinent data to enhance understanding of Africa's vital mineral resources and pinpoint opportunities for their efficient utilization. She also stressed the necessity of regional integration and cooperation to fortify mineral value chains and enable African countries to capitalize more on their shared resource wealth.

Key challenges identified by the participants included the need for reliable and affordable energy, access to finance, transport infrastructure, geological data, and technical expertise. They also acknowledged the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and improved coordination among governments, investors, and development institutions. Moreover, the attendees considered the potential of processing minerals utilized in clean energy technologies, such as lithium, into higher-value products.

Nelson stressed the necessity of converting existing policies and regulations into tangible results, stressing that pledges to beneficiation must be matched by effective implementation and concrete investment. She further emphasized the importance of harnessing Africa's mineral resources in a manner that delivers enduring benefits for both current and future generations.

The roundtable formed part of the African Minerals Policy Forum, also known as the Mining in Motion Conference, a platform dedicated to advancing the African Mining Vision. Adopted by African Heads of State, this vision endeavors to leverage Africa's mineral resources to foster inclusive economic growth, industrialization, and sustainable development.