Bio Urges African Mineral Processing and Infrastructure Investment

President Julius Maada Bio has called on African countries to move beyond exporting minerals in their raw form and expand processing and manufacturing on the continent.

He made the call during a fireside chat at UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 in New York, United States, on Sunday, September 20, where he also urged greater investment in infrastructure across key sectors.

Bio said Africa’s mineral resources should support industrialisation, economic transformation and inclusive development, while helping strengthen national economies and create employment opportunities.

“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,” he said.

Infrastructure and economic growth

The president said modern and reliable infrastructure was essential to unlocking Africa’s productive potential and supporting sustainable economic growth.

His participation made him the first African Head of State to take part in this year’s UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA programme.

Following the discussion, Bio attended the event’s high-level opening ceremony. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressed the ceremony.

The opening highlighted the importance of strong African leadership, effective global partnerships and bold investment in advancing the continent’s development.

UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 was held under the theme “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future.” The programme was organised by the United Nations Global Compact and jointly convened by the United Nations and the African Union.

The opening brought together United Nations leaders, former African presidents, African business executives and representatives of leading financial institutions.