Liberian VP urges African leaders to end raw mineral export dependence

Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has called on African leaders to move away from a reliance on raw mineral exports in favor of a coordinated industrialization strategy. Speaking at the Africa Minerals Policy Forum — Mining in Motion 2026 in Accra, Ghana, Koung emphasized that the continent must transform its mineral wealth into local manufacturing, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth.

Koung outlined five key priorities for the mining sector: local mineral processing, the strengthening of regulatory institutions, ensuring community benefits, promoting responsible small-scale mining, and establishing fair investment partnerships. He noted that much of the economic value generated from Africa's resources is currently captured outside the continent, depriving local populations of skilled employment and technological advancement.

The summit, held under the theme ‘One Continent, One Policy – Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future’, aims to foster cooperation among African leaders and industry stakeholders to better leverage the growing global demand for minerals used in digital technologies and renewable energy systems.