Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has called for a transformation in Africa’s approach to natural resources at the UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 summit. Emphasising the importance of processing minerals domestically rather than exporting raw materials, he noted that this shift is essential for industrialisation, economic transformation, and inclusive development.
In a candid discussion at the summit, President Bio highlighted that retaining more processing within Africa could significantly boost national economies and create jobs, particularly for the continent’s growing youth population. He stressed the need for investment in complementary infrastructure, such as roads, energy, and logistics, to unlock Africa’s potential and support value addition.
“Africa needs to move away from the extraction and export of raw materials. We must process our minerals locally and invest in necessary infrastructure to strengthen our economies and create meaningful opportunities for our youth,” President Bio stated.
Following his speech, President Bio attended the high-profile launch of UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026, which assembled senior UN officials, former African leaders, business executives, and representatives from major financial institutions, illustrating the summit’s collaborative approach.
The opening ceremony featured keynotes from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who both underscored the need for strong African leadership, global partnerships, and targeted investments to enhance development across the continent.
UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026, organised by the United Nations Global Compact under the theme “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future,” is hosted by the UN and the African Union. The programme aims to unite policymakers, private sector leaders, and financiers to promote industrialisation and develop the infrastructure necessary for sustained economic growth.
