By Lincoln G. Peters
ACCRA, Ghana, October 20, 2026 – Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has called for a unified African minerals policy that respects national sovereignty, guarantees fair returns from mineral resources, protects mining communities and promotes industrial development across the continent.
Speaking at the Africa Minerals Policy Forum in Accra, Ghana, on Monday, October 19, Vice President Koung proposed a five-point transformative agenda aimed at strengthening Africa’s extractive industry and ensuring that mineral wealth translates into sustainable economic growth.
The forum, organized as part of Mining in Motion 2026 under the theme, “One Continent, One Policy – Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future,” brought together African leaders, including Ghana’s President, policymakers and mining industry stakeholders.
Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Koung emphasized that efforts to establish a common African minerals policy must recognize the sovereignty and differing economic circumstances of individual countries.
He warned against policies that could force African nations to compromise environmental safeguards or surrender legitimate revenues to attract foreign investment.
“Our countries should not have to weaken safeguards or surrender reasonable revenues to attract investment,” Koung declared.
He said the Africa Mining Vision provides a foundation for transforming the continent’s mineral resources into broader economic opportunities through investments in energy, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, skills development and technology.
“Our task is to translate that vision into investments and measurable results,” he stressed.
Outlining his five-point agenda, Koung first called for the development of African mineral value chains supported by reliable energy and modern infrastructure.
He argued that mineral-rich countries must move beyond exporting raw materials toward processing and manufacturing, which require affordable electricity, efficient transportation, functional ports, skilled workers and access to markets.
According to him, mineral deposits alone cannot sustain competitive industries without the infrastructure necessary to support value addition.
Second, the Vice President urged African governments to strengthen geological knowledge and public institutions to improve resource management and negotiations with investors.
He emphasized the importance of reliable geological surveys, laboratories, secure digital information systems, transparent licensing procedures and effective regulatory institutions.
“Predictable rules give responsible investors confidence while enabling governments to protect the public interest,” Koung said.
He further advocated greater African cooperation on taxation, beneficial ownership, local content and resource reporting to reduce harmful competition among mineral-producing countries and strengthen their collective negotiating capacity.
Third, Koung called for mining communities to become central beneficiaries of mineral development, stressing that the success of extractive projects should be measured by their impact on local livelihoods.
He said communities must have meaningful participation in decisions affecting their land and resources, while mining agreements should guarantee fair compensation, local employment, procurement opportunities, environmental protection and access to essential services.
Fourth, the Liberian Vice President urged African governments to support responsible artisanal and small-scale mining, noting that millions of families across the continent depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
He recommended accessible licensing systems, technical assistance, safer mining practices, financing opportunities and legitimate markets to improve livelihoods and strengthen mineral traceability.
Finally, Koung called for fair international partnerships and accountable implementation of mineral development policies.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s openness to foreign investment, technology and technical expertise but insisted that partnerships must deliver measurable benefits to African economies.
“Our partnerships should be assessed by the skills transferred, businesses developed, industries established and public value created, alongside production and export revenues,” he stated.
The Vice President emphasized that Africa must engage international partners on the principles of fairness, transparency and respect for sovereignty.
“Our resources must serve African development priorities while contributing responsibly to global prosperity and the energy transition,” Koung concluded.
The post Koung Pushes Africa’s Mineral Sovereignty appeared first on Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news.