G20 leaders have backed a new framework aimed at helping Africa benefit more from its vast critical mineral reserves. Picture Credits: GCIS
By Aisha Zardad
Africa must urgently strengthen its grip on its vast critical mineral reserves and stop exporting raw commodities without value addition, World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Speaking on the final day of the summit, Okonjo-Iweala said African leaders must “fully take charge” of the continent’s mineral wealth by developing markets, retaining value chains within Africa, and ensuring minerals contribute directly to industrial development, including in fast-growing sectors such as artificial intelligence.
Her remarks came as G20 leaders adopted the G20 Critical Minerals Framework (CMF) — a new global policy tool aimed at helping mineral-producing countries, particularly in the Global South, derive greater economic benefit from their resources. The framework forms part of the 2025 Summit Declaration and is designed to promote sustainable development, inclusive growth and resilience.
Throughout the summit, leaders engaged extensively on the framework, which includes practical mechanisms to help African countries shift from exporting raw minerals toward building regional and sub-regional value chains. Despite holding 30% of the world’s known mineral reserves, Africa continues to gain minimal benefit from its natural wealth.
“How we position ourselves as Africa depends on us and our policy-makers,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “If we continue to export 60% of our commodities and raw minerals, then nothing will change.”
She noted growing political will across the continent, saying more African leaders are now demanding reform in how critical minerals are utilised, especially those needed for AI, robotics and digital industrialisation.
South Africa received praise from more than 19 global leaders for using its G20 presidency to push mineral-producing countries toward fairer trade, beneficiation and stronger supply chain protection. Leaders also committed to safeguarding critical mineral markets from geopolitical tensions, unfair trade practices, pandemics and natural disruptions.
In their declaration, G20 members acknowledged that the global economy is shifting rapidly as technology, AI and sustainability reshape demand for critical minerals. They noted that producing countries — especially in Africa — still face major challenges, including underinvestment, weak beneficiation capacity, limited access to technology and socio-economic barriers.
International relations expert Dr Oscar van Heerden said Africa’s position on the value chain must change if the continent is to maximise its mineral wealth. With 30% of the world’s critical minerals, he said, Africa could significantly increase its economic gains by manufacturing finished products locally.
“Critical minerals are needed more than ever as the world moves deeper into digitisation, artificial intelligence and robotics,” Van Heerden said. “Africa must develop the skills, technology and beneficiation capacity needed to keep value on the continent.”
