UN Chief Calls to End Exploitation of Africa’s Mineral Wealt

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for African countries to be the primary beneficiaries of the continent’s vast critical mineral resources, insisting that the era of exploitation and unequal value chains must end.

In a post shared on Monday on X, the UN chief stressed the need for fair and sustainable industrial policies that allow African nations to gain full economic value from their natural wealth.

“We must ensure African countries benefit first and fully from their critical minerals through fair, sustainable value chains and manufacturing.

“No more plundering. No more exploitation. The people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa,” Guterres wrote.

The remarks come amid increasing global competition for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and modern manufacturing.

African countries hold a significant share of these resources but have long argued that they receive limited benefits due to export systems centred on raw material extraction rather than local processing and value addition.

Guterres’ statement echoes themes he recently raised at high-level African Union engagements, where he urged global partners to support industrialisation and ensure that mineral-rich African nations move up the value chain through manufacturing and sustainable development policies.

He noted that the issue was not only economic but also one of justice, as African countries seek greater control over resources central to the global green energy transition.

“Countries hosting these minerals should benefit first and fully while creating jobs and advancing local industries,” he said.

Analysts say the comments reflect growing international recognition of Africa’s role in future energy and technology supply chains, with calls increasing for reforms that encourage local refining, processing, and manufacturing rather than dependence on raw exports.

Guterres’ message is expected to resonate strongly with African policymakers, who have repeatedly pushed for equitable trade and investment partnerships that prioritise long-term development over extractive models.