By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has stated that mineral beneficiation should be the main priority regarding Africa’s economic conversation in order to help the continent advance beyond the exportation of minerals.
“Mineral beneficiation must sit at the absolute centre of Africa;s economic conversation, critical minerals are now the bedrock of economic growth” said Nzimande.
Nzimande made his remarks on critical minerals during a panel discussion at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) industrialisation week. The industrialisation week is currently ongoing at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC as the minister outlined how strategic local processing can create immense amounts of value chains as well as sustainable economic growth.
Nzimande opened his address with reference to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s keynote address at the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba. “President Ramaphosa emphasised that the promise of Agenda 2063 relies not just on universal access to energy, but on productive access.” said Nzimande.
The minister placed emphasis on the fact that critical minerals are the cornerstone of modern economic growth, industrial competitiveness, energy security as well as the global transition to cleaner technologies and resources.
In regards to the SADC region, Nzimande stated that the challenge is no longer about proving the existence of these resources but working towards leveraging in order to unlock broader industrialisation.
“For us in the SADC region, the question is no longer whether we possess these critical minerals. The real question is how we leverage them to build resilient regional value chains” said Nzimande.
Nzimande also gave the perspective of the Department of Science, Technology and innovation highlighting that critical minerals are strategic enablers of future industries rather than relying on ordinary commodities.
Nzimande also stated that in order to strengthen local capacity and unlock the high-value chain of the potential clean energy sectors he emphasised that South Africa possesses long standing institutional foundations.
“By combining our vast mineral wealth with targeted science, technology, innovation, investment, and regional cooperation, we can build resilient industrial economies and create quality jobs,” said Nzimande.