African states push to process minerals at home, from Kenya to Ghana and Mali

From Kenya to Ghana to Mali, a growing number of African governments are insisting that minerals be processed domestically before they are exported, according to an analysis published in Al Jazeera. The approach marks a challenge to the traditional model of shipping out raw materials.

The piece argues that processing minerals at home, known as beneficiation, could create jobs, support industrialisation and strengthen countries' position in global supply chains. It also notes this is not straightforward, with capital, energy and infrastructure requirements posing significant hurdles.

As global demand for critical minerals rises, the policies pursued by resource-rich nations are being closely watched. Investment decisions, trade partnerships and whether local processing capacity actually develops are among the factors that will shape how this debate unfolds in the period ahead.