By State House Media and Communications Unit
New York, United States, September 20, 2026 – President Julius Maada Bio has called on African nations to end their long-standing dependence on exporting raw minerals and instead prioritize processing and transforming mineral resources within the continent to drive industrialization, economic growth and job creation.
The President made the appeal during a fireside chat at UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026, where he became the first African Head of State to launch this year’s programme.
Addressing a gathering of policymakers, business leaders and development partners, President Bio stressed that Africa’s vast mineral wealth should serve as a catalyst for economic transformation and inclusive development rather than merely supplying raw materials to international markets.
He noted that expanding mineral processing and manufacturing industries across the continent would increase value addition, strengthen national economies and create employment opportunities, particularly for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
“Africa must move beyond the extraction and export of raw materials. We must process and transform our minerals on the continent, while investing in the infrastructure needed to drive value addition, strengthen our economies, and create meaningful jobs and opportunities for our young people,” President Bio said.
The President also underscored the need for increased investment in critical infrastructure, describing it as a key driver for unlocking Africa’s productive potential and sustaining long-term economic growth.
Following the fireside discussion, President Bio joined other world leaders and dignitaries at the high-level opening ceremony of UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026, an event that brought together senior United Nations officials, former African presidents, leading African business executives and representatives of major financial institutions.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf delivered keynote addresses, emphasizing the importance of African leadership, stronger global partnerships and strategic investments to accelerate the continent’s development agenda.
This year’s edition of UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA is being held under the theme: “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future.” The event is organized by the United Nations Global Compact and convened jointly by the United Nations and the African Union.
President Bio’s remarks align with growing calls across the continent for greater beneficiation of Africa’s natural resources as a pathway to industrial development, economic resilience and sustainable prosperity.