By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria — Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on African nations to prioritise steel production as a critical pathway to industrialisation, warning that continued dependence on raw material exports is stunting the continent’s economic growth.
Speaking at the 2026 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit, Audu emphasised that no nation has achieved meaningful industrial development without a strong steel sector, describing steel as the “backbone of infrastructure, manufacturing, and technological advancement.”
The minister noted that despite Africa’s vast reserves of iron ore and other steel-making materials, no African country ranks among the world’s top 10 steel producers.
He cited global production figures showing dominance by countries such as China, India, the United States, and Japan, which collectively account for the bulk of global output.
“Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials to embracing value addition, regional integration, and industrial transformation,” Audu said, aligning his remarks with the summit’s theme, “One Africa, One Resource Mission.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s potential, he revealed that the country holds over three billion metric tonnes of iron ore reserves, particularly in Kogi State, but has yet to fully harness this capacity for industrial growth.
Audu credited ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for repositioning the steel sector, noting that the creation of the Ministry of Steel Development reflects renewed government commitment to industrial revitalisation.
He outlined key priorities of the ministry to include the rehabilitation of legacy assets such as Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, promotion of local value addition, attraction of foreign and domestic investments, and the development of an enabling environment for sustainable steel production.
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The minister stressed that strengthening Africa’s steel industry would not only boost economic diversification but also enhance job creation, infrastructure development, and regional competitiveness.
The summit brought together ministers and stakeholders from across Africa, including representatives from mining, energy, and industrial sectors, to explore strategies for unlocking the continent’s natural resource potential.
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