Chiwenga challenges unfair mineral extraction at G20

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has called for greater equity in the global transition to a green and digital economy, emphasizing that the shift will fail if the Global South, which supplies a significant portion of strategic minerals, does not benefit appropriately. Speaking at the G20 leaders' summit on behalf of President Mnangagwa, VP Chiwenga highlighted the risks of African nations being relegated to raw material suppliers while value addition and technology accrue elsewhere.

"As the world navigates the twin transitions towards a green and digital economy, our collective mandate is not merely to accelerate progress, but to ensure that this transformation is fundamentally inclusive, equitable, and leaves no one behind," he said. VP Chiwenga specifically pointed to minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements as central to the next industrial revolution, warning that many African countries continue to bear environmental and social costs while receiving minimal economic returns.

He advocated for local beneficiation, technology transfer, and the establishment of transparent and equitable value chains to ensure responsible sourcing and fair compensation for resource-rich nations. VP Chiwenga further underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future, noting that if left ungoverned, AI could exacerbate inequality, displace workers, and compromise data privacy. He called for the development of global standards for ethical and transparent AI, promoting technology as a tool for human development rather than exclusion.

"A fair and just future will not emerge by chance. It can only be built through decisive policies that link critical minerals to decent work and digital innovation for social justice," VP Chiwenga said, adding that Zimbabwe is ready to collaborate with international partners to ensure the green and digital transitions drive inclusive growth.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the G20 Leaders' Declaration, describing it as a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and inclusive development. "Today, we have adopted the Leaders' Declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, outlining far-reaching actions to build a better, more equal, and sustainable world," he said.

WTO Chief Executive Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also urged African nations to strengthen their resolve and take full control of their critical minerals, reinforcing VP Chiwenga's call for a more equitable and sustainable approach to the continent's resource wealth.