@businessinsiderssa: “I believe we can build Africa. We have what it takes to build this continent... Do we continue to exploit and export raw materials without value addition? That answer is no.” — President Bola Tinubu Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu called for greater investment in Africa's industrialisation, urging the continent to move beyond exporting raw materials. Tinubu said Africa must begin processing its vast mineral resources locally, citing critical minerals such as lithium as an opportunity to build battery production and manufacturing ecosystems that create jobs and drive economic growth. The President also tasked Afreximbank with mobilising the financial resources needed to support industrial development, stressing that Africa's future depends on turning its natural wealth into value-added industries rather than relying on raw commodity exports.

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Thursday 09 July 2026 11:30:00 GMT