Sierra Leone Demands Shift to Local Mineral Processing

Sierra Leone has issued a strong call for greater value addition and domestic processing of Africa’s natural resources at the ongoing Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2026 conference in Accra

Addressing delegates, investors, and international stakeholders during the multi-day industry summit, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, stressed that the continent must move past the traditional model of exporting raw, unrefined minerals.

“The true value of natural resources lies in local processing that creates jobs, supports domestic industries, and ensures that local communities receive tangible benefits,” Minister Koroma stated.