According to a report by *Star* on April 29, Kenyan President William Ruto stated that Kenya will no longer solely export unprocessed minerals to other countries for industrial development. He called for the African continent to promote the processing and value-added stages of mineral production to remain within Africa, a move that will bring tangible benefits to African economies and their people. Ruto spoke at the 2026 Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Exhibition held in Nairobi, pointing out that over the past six decades, few African countries have fully controlled their mineral resources or reaped their benefits. Ruto emphasized that the Kenyan government has established clear and prudent policy positions for the mining sector to ensure that the nation's mineral resources fully benefit Kenya. All investors must comply with local regulations, and this is a choice that the entire continent must make. "We must process our minerals in Africa, refine our minerals in Africa, and complete finished product manufacturing in Africa. The entire industrial chain must—and will—create value for Africa and our people," Ruto said. As he delivered this strong appeal to the entire continent, global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite continues to rise.
