SAMAILA ZUBAIRU, CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, explores the strategic importance of African minerals in the context of global economic competition, infrastructure development, and the need for leadership coordination. As we chatted at the 2026 Investment in Mining Indaba in Cape Town, he emphasised the potential for Africa to transform its mineral resources into bankable projects that can drive economic growth and job creation. In our conversation, Mr Zubairu highlighted the urgency of seizing current opportunities while balancing domestic needs with global market demands.

Key Takeaways

*The strategic minerals compendium aims to reframe conversations around African minerals.

*Africa's minerals should not be viewed merely as commodities for export.

*Infrastructure development is crucial for realising Africa's aspirations.

*Leadership coordination is essential for effective resource management.

*Regional collaboration is vital for industrial decarbonisation and economic growth. *Investment in mining can exceed four to five billion dollars annually.

*Africa's market potential is significant and must be recognised.

*Domestic needs should be prioritised alongside global market demands.

*Job creation is a key metric for evaluating projects in Africa.

*Current political will presents a unique opportunity for development.

Chapters

00:00 Reframing Africa's Mineral Narrative

03:28 Seizing the Moment for Infrastructure Development

07:28 Navigating Global Competition and Local Opportunities

11:30 Balancing Domestic Needs and Global Markets

14:30 The Moment for Leadership in Africa