Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The WTO warns that surging demand for critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earths is driving conflict in resource-rich regions such as Congo and Sudan, where illegal mining fuels violence. However, the organization highlights an opportunity for these nations to leverage their mineral wealth for economic transformation through local processing, strengthened international law, and cooperative strategies to avoid being locked into low-value production.

The WTO warns that rising global demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt risks fueling conflict in resource-rich regions, particularly in Africa, but also presents an opportunity for economic transformation if managed through local processing and international cooperation. The UN highlights how mineral exploitation in Congo and Sudan has exacerbated violence, while urging resource-rich nations to leverage their reserves for inclusive growth.