Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has called on world leaders to unlock Africa’s full economic potential through its critical minerals, urging the creation of a G20–Africa Compact that could reshape the continent’s role in the global clean-energy transition.
Speaking at the G20 Summit on Saturday, Bio, also Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, highlighted that Africa controls nearly a third of the world’s critical minerals, vital for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Sierra Leone alone contributes key resources including iron ore, rutile, bauxite and diamonds.
“For too long, our resources have powered global industries while our nations captured the least value. This generation must break that cycle, starting with a G20–Africa Compact anchored in justice,” Bio said.
The President framed the compact as more than a trade deal: it is a blueprint for Africa to move up the global value chain, turning raw minerals into processed goods, creating jobs, and fostering industrial transformation.
“It is not enough for Africa to supply the minerals. We must process them, refine them, and benefit from them. That is how we create jobs, industries, and transformation,” he emphasised.
Bio linked Africa’s mineral wealth to broader economic and climate challenges, noting that slowing global growth, tightening financial conditions, and rising debt servicing are squeezing low-income economies. He advocated for accelerated debt restructuring, expanded Special Drawing Rights via regional development banks, and long-term investment in infrastructure and digital systems.
On climate, he stressed that Africa bears the brunt of extreme weather despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, citing floods, landslides, and unpredictable rainfall in Sierra Leone. He renewed his call for a West Africa Climate Adaptation Acceleration Facility to tackle food security, clean energy, and coastal protection.
Bio also highlighted the risks of unequal access to artificial intelligence and digital technologies, urging ethical, inclusive global governance to ensure innovation benefits all regions fairly.
Closing his address, he called on G20 leaders to commit to a development pact rooted in fairness, describing the proposed minerals compact as a historic opportunity for Africa to reclaim its rightful place in shaping the global economy.
“Africa must not only supply the minerals. We must benefit from them. This is our moment to secure a just future for our continent,” Bio said.
