From Aid to Action: Reimagining Africa’s Global Position | Afolabi Oriyomi | TEDxNUTM

African Resource Paradox & Opportunity - Africa possesses 70% of the world's cobalt and 30% of global mineral reserves, yet loses $50 billion annually by exporting raw materials instead of processing them [2][3] - The continent's resources could power education, build hospitals, and transform nations, but are often exploited [1][2] - Africa needs to view its minerals as global leverage, not just debt for export [3] AFC's Role & Achievements - African Finance Corporation (AFC) surpassed its asset goal of $10 billion, reaching over $12 billion in total assets and infrastructure projects across 36 countries in Africa in 2023 [4] - AFC achieved this on the back of an additional $1 billion equity capital raise [4] - AFC is a major investor in projects like the Dangote refinery and the Loito corridor, a $2 billion rail PPP project [5][6] Key Revolutions for Africa's Development - Industrial Revolution: Tax raw export at 25% to incentivize local processing and mandate mineral beneficiation [7] - Financial Revolution: Direct 25% of African sovereign wealth (over $400 billion) to African projects [8] - Talent Revolution: Shift from brain drain to brain gain by developing globally-minded professionals [9][10][11] Call to Action - Investors should allocate at least 5% of their portfolio to African infrastructure projects [12] - Storytellers need to amplify voices and platforms to change the narrative around Africa [13] - Africa has the money, resources, and talent, but needs the audacity to demand value for its resources [13]