At the Mining Indaba 2026 forum, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, urged a paradigm shift in Africa's development strategy, highlighting the necessity for governments, financial institutions, and the private sector to prioritize local industrial processing over the mere export of raw materials. This call to action comes as African leaders and industry executives gather to discuss the future of mining and industrialization on the continent, signaling a collective recognition of the need to enhance value creation within Africa itself.

Rabiu commended the efforts of the Africa Finance Corporation, which plays a pivotal role in providing long-term capital for industrial projects across Africa. His remarks included an acknowledgment of the institution's recent positive outlook rating from S&P Global, illustrating the critical role that robust development finance institutions play in fostering growth and industrialization on the continent. This highlights the potential for transformative investments that can drive regional economic development.

Drawing on the successes of BUA Group, Rabiu shared insights into the company's experience with industrialization and value addition, reinforcing the belief that Africa's resources can be harnessed to create jobs and stimulate economic growth domestically. His advocacy for a move toward large-scale industrial processing reflects a growing consensus among African leaders that sustainable development relies on building local capacities and minimizing dependency on external markets for raw materials.