By Yunus Olawale
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on African nations to accelerate collective efforts toward value addition, responsible mineral development and regional collaboration, declaring that the continent must “stop the exportation of prosperity and the importation of poverty.”
Delivering his closing remarks at the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, Dr. Alake said the summit had reinforced a shared continental vision of transforming Africa’s abundant natural resources into sustainable economic prosperity.
The Minister noted that while stakeholders may hold differing opinions on implementation strategies, there is broad consensus on the ultimate objective of ensuring that Africa’s mineral wealth benefits its people.
“We want to stop the exportation of prosperity and the importation of poverty. That is the kernel of all our discussions,” Alake declared.
According to him, discussions throughout the two-day summit centred on improving mineral exploration, enhancing extraction efficiency and ensuring prudent management of revenues generated from the sector for both present and future generations.
A New Development Mandate for Africa
Dr. Alake described the current era as a defining moment in Africa’s economic history, stressing that today’s leaders carry the responsibility of steering the continent away from unequal patterns of resource exploitation toward mutually beneficial partnerships.
He acknowledged that achieving such transformation would not be without obstacles but insisted that challenges should inspire innovation rather than discourage progress.
“There is no worthwhile objective without challenges,” he said, adding that genuine progress comes through overcoming obstacles with determination, strategic thinking and practical action.
He encouraged African governments, investors and industry stakeholders to embrace a “can-do” spirit capable of converting existing difficulties into opportunities for sustainable development.
Thinkers Must Also Be Doers
The Minister emphasised that effective leadership requires more than vision. According to him, successful societies did not emerge overnight but evolved through difficult periods of economic restructuring and institutional development.
He urged Africans to remain patient and focused as the continent continues its journey toward industrialisation and economic transformation.
AFNIS Producing Tangible Results
Reflecting on the summit’s achievements, Dr. Alake dismissed suggestions that AFNIS was merely a platform for speeches.
He pointed to several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the summit as evidence that previous discussions had translated into concrete investments and strategic partnerships.
He noted that some agreements signed this year originated from ideas first introduced during earlier editions of AFNIS, demonstrating that the summit continues to generate measurable outcomes for Africa’s mining and energy sectors.
“The signing ceremonies we witnessed are eloquent testimonies that AFNIS is not a talking shop,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that additional investment outcomes would emerge in the coming months and said stakeholders would reconvene next year to assess the implementation of commitments made during AFNIS 2026.
Call for Action Beyond Speeches
Drawing from his journalism background, the Minister urged participants not to allow discussions to end with conference speeches and photographs. He likened the summit resolutions to news stories that require “actualities”—practical evidence that promises have been fulfilled.
By the next edition of AFNIS, he said, participants should return with visible projects, implemented policies and measurable achievements that demonstrate real progress across the continent.
Leadership Begins at Every Level
Dr. Alake concluded by emphasising that Africa’s transformation depends on responsible leadership at every level of society—not only within government.
He argued that leadership begins in homes, communities, schools and workplaces, where integrity, accountability and exemplary conduct shape future generations.
According to him, genuine leadership is measured by service and impact rather than titles or honours.
“The hood does not make the monk,” he remarked, urging Africans to lead by example and focus on delivering lasting value to society. Commending participants, sponsors and organisers for their commitment throughout the summit, the Minister said the enthusiasm demonstrated during AFNIS 2026 reflects Africa’s growing determination to unlock the full potential of its natural resources.
