At the G20 Summit, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the need for equity in the global mineral trade and AI governance, advocating for a framework that benefits communities in Nigeria and Africa, ensuring value addition at the source. He stressed that the wealth of critical minerals must translate into shared prosperity in Africa, addressing recurring debt crises and fair handling of global financial flows.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the importance of critical minerals as a catalyst for industrial transformation in Africa, urging relevant authorities to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the extraction and trade of these minerals. He emphasized that responsible practices are crucial to ensure the wealth generated from hosting communities translates into shared progress.
In the context of artificial intelligence, President Tinubu supported the creation of global ethical standards aimed at accelerating development worldwide. He emphasized the need for AI to remain a servant of humanity, not a force that reshapes society at the expense of those it should uplift. The President called for deliberate partnerships between developed and developing nations, between the public and private sectors, and between innovation and inclusion to harness AI's job creation and empowerment potential.
Furthermore, President Tinubu urged G20 leaders to deepen collaboration on technology transfer, capacity building, and inclusive investments that prioritize human dignity over profit. He emphasized the importance of a fair and just future, where Africa is not merely a supplier of raw materials but a continent of value creation, innovation, and dignity in work.
Regarding global financial flows, President Tinubu called for a more equitable and responsive system to manage these flows and address recurring debt crises. He highlighted the systemic barriers restraining economic growth in many developing countries and the need for a sincere approach to meet the needs of all nations, especially those in the Global South.
In conclusion, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of a collective resolve from the G20 to achieve a positive paradigm shift in Africa's development trajectory, addressing the urgent need for sustainable financing and responsible utilization of critical minerals to ensure effective implementation of developmental priorities and confront emerging risks.
