Dr Dele Alake Re-Elected, Africa Still Sells Gold, But Keeps Losing Glitter

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has been re-elected as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), a continental platform that unites African ministers to drive coordinated policies on mineral development. The decision affirms Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s mining future and promoting value addition within the sector.

The re-election was announced during the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the AMSG, which took place on the margins of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Delegates from across Africa commended Dr Alake for his leadership over the past year, particularly his advocacy for beneficiation, local processing, and fair participation of African nations in the global minerals value chain.

AMSG members noted that his tenure had strengthened collaboration among mineral-rich countries and improved engagement with international investors. The forum resolved to intensify efforts toward harmonised policies that would reduce raw mineral exports and encourage industrialisation on the continent.

Continental Push for Value Addition

Speaking after his re-election, Dr Alake reiterated the need for African countries to move beyond being mere suppliers of raw materials. He stressed that the continent must prioritise processing, refining, and manufacturing in order to create jobs and retain more economic value from its abundant resources.

He explained that the Africa Minerals Strategy Group would continue to champion joint initiatives on critical minerals, technology transfer, and responsible mining practices. According to him, Africa possesses the resources required for the global energy transition and must negotiate from a position of strength.

Participants at the Riyadh meeting agreed to develop a common framework that would guide negotiations with multinational companies and trading partners. The objective is to ensure that African communities benefit directly from the extraction of minerals found on their land.

Nigeria’s Leadership Role Highlighted

Dr Alake’s return as chairman is widely seen as recognition of Nigeria’s reform agenda in the solid minerals sector.

Since assuming office, the minister has introduced policies aimed at formalising artisanal mining, improving revenue transparency, and attracting ethical investment.
Officials at the forum expressed confidence that his second term would deepen partnerships between African governments and the private sector. They highlighted Nigeria’s experience in regulatory reforms as a model that could be adapted by other countries.

The Africa Minerals Strategy Group concluded the meeting with a commitment to present a unified African position at upcoming global mining and climate forums. Observers believe Dr Alake’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that Africa secures fair deals in the rapidly evolving minerals economy.