Accra, July 28, GNA -The Open Society Foundations (OSF) has brought together policymakers, researchers, civil society actors and other stakeholders from across Africa for a three-day high-level conference aimed at shaping a new governance agenda for the continent’s critical minerals.
The conference, being held in Accra from July 27 to 29, is examining how Africa can leverage its vast critical mineral resources to promote sustainable development, democratic governance and lasting peace while preventing conflicts in resource-rich communities.
Participants are exploring ways to strengthen transparency, accountability, inclusion and respect for human rights in the governance of critical minerals, with the goal of ensuring that the continent’s mineral wealth translates into broad-based economic and social benefits.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the opening ceremony on Monday, July 27, the Director of the Democratic Futures in Africa Programme at the Open Society Foundations, Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze, said the conference was focused on developing practical strategies that place good governance at the heart of Africa’s growing opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
“We are not just looking at what is wrong that exists with these critical areas, but we are looking at the future. How can we use the opportunities that is presented by itself to now advance a new charter for Africa and African citizens?” he said.
Dr Eze explained that the conference seeks to move beyond treating critical minerals, governance and conflict as separate issues by fostering collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, policymakers, researchers and the media.
He also underscored the need for African countries to invest in knowledge, research and education that will enable the continent to process its own mineral resources and build stronger domestic industries.
Adding his voice to the discussions, the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, said Africa’s abundant mineral resources would only deliver meaningful development if supported by strong institutions and inclusive governance systems.
He argued that the continent’s future should be measured not by the volume of minerals extracted, but by its ability to build industries, create jobs and generate shared prosperity.
“History reminds us that natural resources alone never guarantee prosperity. The difference was not simply the resource. The difference was governance,” Mr Mould said.
He called for greater emphasis on developing regional value chains that promote mineral processing, manufacturing, skills development and the growth of African enterprises, rather than focusing solely on extraction.
The Senior Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Policy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, also urged African countries to seize the opportunities presented by rising global demand for critical minerals by using the resources to industrialise their economies.
He cautioned against repeating past mistakes where Africa exported raw materials while value addition, manufacturing and technological development occurred elsewhere.
“The question is whether Africa will use them to build its own industries, create decent jobs, and strengthen peace, or be a collaborator and bystander,” Mr Tanoh said.
He advocated stronger regional cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to support mineral processing, manufacturing and industrial development across the continent.
The conference comes at a time of growing global demand for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies and digital manufacturing.
Organisers say the engagement was expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening governance, promoting regional cooperation and ensuring Africa’s critical mineral wealth drives industrialisation, inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba