
He unpacks what the shift from extraction to innovation looks like in practice, the policy and regulatory reforms needed to unlock diversification, and how downstream buyers, manufacturers, and the mining industry can collaborate to enable local value addition. Shango also discusses practical mechanisms to de-risk beneficiation and advanced manufacturing projects, the evolving role of public-private partnerships, and the most realistic wins Africa can aim for by the end of the decade.
Looking ahead, he reflects on the risks Africa faces if it fails to transform today’s critical-minerals opportunity into lasting economic capability — and the single most important reform needed to drive sustainable growth and innovation across the continent.

More than 300 emerging researchers, students, academics and industry stakeholders participated in Mintek SCi 2026, a weeklong innovation programme.
.webp?language=en)
Digital mining cadastre gives investors remote access to mining titles and geological information as Cameroon seeks to turn mineral potential into a larger investment pipeline.
.webp?language=en)
After decades of waiting, construction activity is giving new momentum to one of Gabon’s largest iron-ore opportunities.