Jeremiah Kpan Koung proposes unified African minerals policy in Accra

Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has called on African leaders to prioritize understanding the true value of their mineral resources before entering into negotiations with foreign investors. Speaking at the Mining in Motion 2026 conference in Accra, Koung emphasized that the continent’s vast natural wealth has historically failed to translate into significant industrial development or widespread prosperity for its citizens. He argued that a fundamental shift in how African nations approach the extractive sector is necessary to reverse this trend and secure a fairer share of global profits.

To achieve this, Koung proposed the establishment of a unified minerals policy across Africa, suggesting a "minerals policy compact" to coordinate efforts and enhance the continent's collective bargaining power. By presenting a front of regional cooperation, he believes African nations can demand better terms and ensure that mining activities contribute more effectively to national economies. He stressed that without such a coordinated approach, individual countries remain vulnerable to unfavorable deals that prioritize the interests of multinational corporations over local development.

The Vice President also highlighted the critical need for African countries to invest in processing and manufacturing their minerals locally rather than exporting raw materials. He noted that the export of raw ores deprives the continent of value-added benefits and job creation opportunities. To support this transition, Koung advocated for the development of reliable geological data and robust regulatory frameworks, which would provide African governments with the technical foundation needed to negotiate from a position of strength and transparency.

In his concluding remarks, Koung underscored the importance of ensuring that mining activities directly benefit the communities located near extraction sites. He called for a framework where local populations see tangible improvements in their lives through infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities derived from the resources beneath their feet. By aligning minerals policy with local prosperity and regional cooperation, the Vice President envisioned a future where Africa’s natural resources serve as the cornerstone for sustainable industrial growth.