President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has urged world leaders at the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit to adopt a fair global framework that ensures Africa and other developing regions benefit equitably from critical minerals, technology, and global financial reforms.
Speaking at the summit’s third session, Tinubu emphasized that communities hosting critical minerals should not remain impoverished while their resources fuel global industries.
He stressed the importance of value addition at the source, local beneficiation, and transparency to protect mining communities.
“Nigeria calls for a global framework that promotes value addition at the source, supports local beneficiation, and ensures communities hosting these resources are not left behind. This issue goes beyond economics and speaks to the moral character of the world we aspire to build,” Tinubu said.
People-Centred Progress in the Digital and Green Economy
Tinubu highlighted that Africa’s industrial transformation depends not only on resource possession but on responsible extraction and trade practices that ensure shared progress.
He said that decent work must anchor green and digital transitions, providing every citizen the opportunity to contribute and thrive. Through Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu added, the government is investing in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship to equip Nigerians with future-ready skills.
Ethical AI and Inclusive Partnerships
On artificial intelligence, Tinubu called for global ethical standards that prioritize safety, transparency, equity, and job creation. He stressed that AI should empower societies rather than displace workers, advocating for collaborations between developed and developing nations, public and private sectors, and innovation and inclusion.
“The G20 must address systemic bias and foster sustained multilateral dialogue to ensure AI benefits are shared equitably and its risks responsibly managed,” he added.
Reforming Global Financial Architecture
Tinubu also urged G20 leaders to reform the international financial architecture, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and responsive system to manage global financial flows and address recurring debt crises affecting developing nations.
He noted that Africa’s positive development trajectory requires sustainable financing to implement priority projects effectively. Rising debt burdens, he said, have “dragged economies back into cycles of fragility,” turning local challenges into global vulnerabilities.
“The G20 must prioritize debt sustainability and responsible utilization of critical minerals in its agenda for inclusive development,” Tinubu said.
Vision for Africa: Value Creation and Dignity
Tinubu concluded that Africa should no longer be viewed merely as a supplier of raw materials but as a continent of innovation, value creation, and dignified work. He stressed that economic progress should be measured not only by growth but by the opportunities and dignity afforded to every citizen.
