Johannesburg, South Africa, 21 November 2025 – On the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, H.E. Wamkele Mene spoke at a side event convened by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on Unlocking Africa’s Trade and Investment Potential.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General underscored Africa’s opportunity to transition from exporting raw minerals to developing value-added industries on the continent. He highlighted the strategic importance of moving up the value chain as Africa positions itself within the global green and energy transition.
Noting that Africa holds approximately 30 per cent of global mineral reserves, H.E. Mene emphasised that the continent can build competitive critical-minerals value chains by leveraging the AfCFTA, integrated transport corridors, skills development, digital tools, and more inclusive industrialisation strategies. He underscored that this moment presents a critical opportunity for Africa to shape its own green industrial future.
