A geophysicist with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Dr. Godwin Alo, has said African countries must end the longstanding practice of exporting raw minerals and embrace value addition .

The expert stressed that Africa‘s economic transformation depends largely on its ability to process and add value to its abundant natural resources before export.

Alo disclosed this in Abuja, in an exclusive interview with The Guardian on the sidelines of the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), he called for a shift toward value addition and local beneficiation of mineral resources.

He said the summit has recorded remarkable progress since its inception, citing increased participation by industry players and stronger representation from African countries as evidence of the growing relevance of the platform.

Alo said: “There has been tremendous improvement. If we were not seeing this level of progress, it would mean we were not doing the right things. From what we have observed, especially in terms of participation, the number of companies attending and the representation from our sister African countries have all increased significantly.

“That clearly shows we are on the right path and AFNIS continues to grow. This fifth edition represents a major improvement over previous editions, both in participation and the quality of engagement.

“The biggest takeaway is the need for value addition. God has blessed Africa with enormous mineral resources, and if we can add value to these resources before exporting them, we would be doing a great service not only to ourselves but also honouring the blessings God has given us.”

According to him, African countries must adopt deliberate policies that promote local mineral processing, industrialisation and manufacturing if the continent is to maximise the benefits of its vast mineral wealth.

The NGSA geophysicist advocated the establishment of minimum beneficiation standards across the continent to ensure that minerals undergo a certain level of processing before export.

Alo added, “Value addition is the ultimate goal, and every African nation must embrace it if we truly want sustainable economic growth. The era of exporting raw minerals only to import finished products made from those same resources should no longer be encouraged.

“There should be minimum standards requiring local processing and beneficiation before these resources leave our countries. That is the only way Africa can maximise the economic benefits of its mineral wealth.”

Alo noted that forums such as AFNIS provide a strategic platform for governments, investors and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, attract investment and develop practical solutions that will accelerate resource-based industrialisation across Africa.

He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among African countries would unlock greater investment opportunities, deepen regional integration and position the continent as a global hub for mineral processing and value-added production.