…Demands fair mineral wealth, ethical AI, and a reformed global financial system
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered one of the most forceful messages yet from an African leader to the world’s most powerful economies, declaring that Africa must no longer remain a mere supplier of raw materials while others reap the wealth.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu addressed global leaders on Saturday at the Third Session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa—an event themed “A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence.”
‘VALUE MUST STAY IN AFRICA’ — TINUBU TELLS G20
Tinubu said Nigeria and other African nations have reached a turning point. With the world racing toward a green and digital future, African countries—home to some of the planet’s most prized critical minerals—must benefit fairly, transparently, and sustainably.
> “Nigeria calls for a global framework that promotes value addition at the source,” he declared.
“Africa must not merely remain a supplier of raw materials. We must build a future defined by value creation, innovation, and dignity in work.”
The President insisted that communities hosting mineral resources must not be left impoverished while multinational corporations extract billions from their soil.
‘THIS IS ABOUT MORALITY, NOT JUST ECONOMICS’
Tinubu told world leaders that the debate around critical minerals goes beyond trade figures.
> “The issue before us speaks to the moral character of the world we aspire to build.”
He called for responsible extraction, transparent trade practices, and people-centred development, saying African growth must translate into real gains for ordinary citizens—not just corporate profits.
ETHICAL AI OR GLOBAL INEQUALITY WILL WORSEN
The Nigerian leader urged the G20 to adopt a unified global framework governing Artificial Intelligence, warning that unregulated AI systems could entrench discrimination and accelerate inequality.
> “AI must become a tool of empowerment, not exclusion; of job creation, not displacement.”
Tinubu said Nigeria supports global ethical standards that guarantee safety, transparency, and equity, stressing that AI governance must protect vulnerable nations from being technologically dominated.
He urged stronger partnerships between developed and developing nations so Africa is not “left behind in the digital revolution.”
Tinubu emphasised that fair transitions to green and digital economies must ensure dignified, productive jobs—especially for the continent’s booming youth population.
He highlighted Nigeria’s investments in digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying these are essential to equip citizens for a rapidly changing global economy.
TINUBU CALLS FOR A NEW GLOBAL FINANCIAL ORDER
In a separate intervention, Tinubu criticised the global financial architecture, saying existing systems are outdated and punitive toward developing countries.
> “These multilateral frameworks were built in an era far removed from the present challenges.”
He argued that Africa cannot rise while suffocating under unsustainable debt, warning that today’s financial imbalance fuels instability and hinders progress.
> “The continent cannot rise on the wings of aspiration alone without sustainable financing.”
Tinubu urged G20 leaders to place debt sustainability, equitable financing, and responsible mineral utilisation at the centre of global development policy.
A DEFINING MOMENT FOR AFRICA
As the 2025 G20 Summit continues in Johannesburg, Tinubu’s strong message has set a bold tone for African leaders demanding equity, fairness, and partnership—not charity.
The deliberations move forward with global leaders expected to adopt decisions on inclusive growth, technological governance, and a new era of fair economic relations between Africa and the rest of the world.
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