Miguel Kashal Katemb advocates for African local content model

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Atlantic Council hosted a forum titled ‘Africa’s Advantage: Creating National Value in a Global Mining Economy.’ The event featured economist Miguel Kashal Katemb, who advocated for a new economic model for Africa centered on local content.

Katemb argued that Africa must move beyond being a mere supplier of raw materials for export. Instead, he emphasized the necessity of industrialization and the local transformation of natural resources to ensure African economies capture more value from their mineral wealth. He specifically highlighted the efforts of Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo regarding the country’s economic sovereignty.

The discussion included former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia. The forum aimed to address the urgency of rebalancing global supply chains to benefit African populations and economies directly.