Kuria Calls for Africa’s Strategic Shift to Critical Minerals in Global Tech Economy

Stephen Kuria, speaking at the Year of Return Africa (YORA) Summit & Expo 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, asserted that Africa must transition from exporting raw minerals to developing industries that transform natural resources into sustainable economic prosperity. His remarks came during the Future Builders Opening Keynote titled 'The Africa We Must Build by 2035' at Broadwalk Mall, Westlands.

Kuria, drawing on experience in Australia’s mining sector and Tanzania’s operations, identified artificial intelligence, robotics, battery storage, and advanced technologies as key sectors poised to drive global economic growth over the next decade. He emphasized that critical minerals are the 'oil of the future,' highlighting their strategic role in technological advancement, clean energy, and工业.