Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has urged for a stronger African role in global minerals pricing. The organization stresses the necessity for the continent to evolve from merely supplying raw materials to developing market intelligence, processing capabilities, and financial systems to better influence the valuation of its mineral resources.
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, the Executive Director of WiM-Africa, articulated these points during a roundtable discussion at the Shanghai Metals Expo 2026, focusing on integrating various aspects of global metals pricing.
Africa is rich in strategic mineral resources, such as copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese, platinum-group metals, and gold, yet it remains limited in its influence over how these resources are valued. Asokoro-Ogaji highlighted that mere possession of these resources does not guarantee market leverage, pointing out that several factors, including access to market information and financial instruments, inhibit African nations from capitalizing fully on their mineral wealth.
She noted the expanding Asian markets present an opportunity for African countries to enhance their involvement in global mineral markets. However, she emphasized that gaining pricing power requires more than proclamations. African producers must improve product quality and strengthen their negotiating positions.
The actual value of minerals, such as copper concentrate, is affected by multiple elements, including mineral grades, treatment charges, and transportation costs. Inadequate laboratory testing and unreliable market data further complicate matters for African producers seeking to achieve fair market value.
To tackle these challenges, WiM-Africa identified five priorities: enhancing mineral market intelligence, investing in mineral testing, expanding beneficiation and processing capabilities, improving access to commodity markets and finance, and promoting inclusive participation in the mining value chain.
Asokoro-Ogaji stressed the need for African producers to access credible information regarding production, pricing, and market conditions to negotiate effectively. She called for a gradual shift away from exporting unprocessed minerals towards products that meet higher industrial standards.
Furthermore, she pointed out the barriers women in the mining sector face, including limited access to finance and technical expertise. She argued for their inclusion in the entire value chain beyond mere extraction, stating it is vital for creating competitive, sustainable mineral markets.
WiM-Africa is also partnering with Shanghai Metals Market, aiming to connect African women-led enterprises with necessary resources and opportunities. Asokoro-Ogaji called for enhanced collaboration between African nations and China’s industrial systems, advocating for partnerships that go beyond mining to include training and investment opportunities.
She clarified that Africa is not attempting to impose national pricing but rather to enhance its understanding of international benchmarks to secure better terms in the global market. The focus, she asserted, should be on building transparent, inclusive mineral markets while strengthening African institutions and processing capabilities to leverage its mineral wealth for broader economic development.
