President William Samoei Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan to transform Kenya into a regional hub for mineral processing and value addition, as he addressed delegates during the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Expo (MICE) 2026.
Speaking at the high-level forum, President Ruto emphasized that Africa must shift from exporting raw materials to building industries that create jobs and retain value within the continent.
“We meet at a moment of extraordinary opportunity. The global shift toward clean energy is fundamentally redefining the strategic value of minerals and positioning Africa at the centre of that transformation,” he said.
Africa’s Mineral Wealth in Focus
The President noted that Africa holds a significant share of the world’s critical minerals, making it a key player in the global transition to clean energy.
“At the same time, Africa holds about 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, including significant shares of cobalt, manganese, platinum, and rare earth elements essential for batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar technologies,” Ruto stated.
However, he pointed out that despite this vast resource base, the continent captures minimal value from the global supply chain.
“Yet despite this endowment, the continent currently captures less than 1% of the value generated from global clean energy technologies. The reason is clear: For too long, we have extracted and exported raw materials at the bottom of the value chain while others have processed, refined, manufactured, and captured the greater share of economic value,” he added.
Kenya’s Strategic Shift
President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending the export of raw minerals and instead investing in local processing and manufacturing.
“That is precisely why the Government of Kenya has taken a clear and deliberate position… that Kenya will no longer be a supplier of raw minerals to fuel the industries of others,” he said.
He stressed that collaboration across African countries will be key in achieving this transformation.
“Working in collaboration with our African colleagues, we will process our minerals here on the continent. We will refine them here. We will manufacture them here. The full length of the value chain must, and will, generate value for Africa and for our people,” he said.
Unlocking Kenya’s Mineral Potential
The Head of State highlighted Kenya’s growing mineral exploration efforts, noting that recent surveys have revealed vast untapped resources across the country.
“Like many African countries, Kenya is endowed with significant mineral wealth. Our National Airborne Geophysical Survey… has identified over 970 mineral deposits across the country,” he said.
He detailed the distribution of these resources, noting that gold deposits stretch from Narok through Migori and Kakamega into Turkana and Marsabit, while other minerals such as niobium, rare earth elements, iron ore, and titanium are found in different regions.
“These resources are widely distributed across the length and breadth of our country… As a country, we are, quite literally, sitting on immense wealth,” he added.
Investments and Job Creation
President Ruto pointed to ongoing investments aimed at boosting value addition and job creation within the mining sector.
“Indeed, we are already on this journey. The iron ore pelletization plant in Taita Taveta, currently in its final stages of construction, represents a KSh11 billion investment that will create approximately 3,000 jobs for our people,” he said.
He also noted progress in the gold refinery project and the operationalization of the Voi Gemstone Value Addition Centre, which is already supporting artisanal miners.
“Our gold refinery project is also advancing toward completion while the Voi Gemstone Value Addition Centre is already operational, serving artisanal miners and small-scale operators with access to cutting, polishing, grading, and international market linkages,” he said.
A Turning Point for Africa
Ruto urged African leaders and stakeholders to seize the current moment and ensure that the continent’s mineral wealth benefits its people.
“We must correct this glaring distortion. Gatherings such as this must serve as a turning point, bringing us closer to a future in which Africa’s resources work, first and foremost, for the people of our continent,” he said.
He added that decisions made now will determine whether Africa builds industries and creates jobs or continues to export raw materials without maximizing value.
“The decisions we take, now and in the years ahead, will determine whether this abundance is harnessed to build African industries, create African jobs, and drive African prosperity,” he noted.
Global Demand Driving Opportunity
The President further highlighted rising global demand for critical minerals, driven by the transition to clean energy.
“According to the International Energy Agency, demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite is projected to triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040 as the world accelerates toward net-zero emissions,” he said.
Nairobi as a Strategic Investment Hub
The MICE 2026 conference has brought together regional and international stakeholders, positioning Nairobi as a key centre for mining investment discussions in Africa.
As Kenya pushes for value addition and industrialization, the government is betting on the mining sector to play a critical role in economic growth, job creation, and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global minerals market.
