Zimbabwe Demands Justice: VP Chiwenga Challenges G20 on Mineral Inequity

The global shift toward a green and digital economy, driven by critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, will not succeed unless the Global South reaps fair benefits, Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Addressing world leaders at the G20 Summit on behalf of President Mnangagwa, VP Chiwenga cautioned against African nations being treated merely as sources of raw materials without meaningful value addition. The Summit’s declaration outlined the establishment of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework (CMF) to promote sustainable development and ensure equitable participation of mineral-producing countries in global value chains.

“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,” said VP Chiwenga.

“The global drive toward clean energy has correctly positioned critical or strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, among many others, at the core of the next industrial revolution. Many of these resources are found in the Global South, particularly Africa. Yet, a regrettable structural imbalance persists as mineral-rich African nations are often reduced to the extraction of raw materials, leaving gaping holes, while the essential value, jobs, and technology accrue elsewhere.

“It is unacceptable that the Global South bears the environmental and social burdens while the Global North captures the greater value through processing and advanced technology,” said VP Chiwenga.

He urged nations to commit to local beneficiation, technology transfer, and equitable value chains, allowing developing countries to participate meaningfully in global innovation and manufacturing.

Ethical AI and Inclusive Development

VP Chiwenga also highlighted the need for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that if unregulated, it could widen global inequalities.

“As we transform global industries, we must decisively place people at the centre of sustainable development,” said VP Chiwenga.

“Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly reshaping the world, offering immense opportunities for increased productivity, innovation, and service delivery. However, if left ungoverned, it risks deepening inequality, displacing workers, and compromising data privacy.

“Artificial Intelligence must be a tool for human development, not for exclusion. Therefore, a shared responsibility to collectively develop global standards for ethical and transparent Artificial Intelligence is essential,” said VP Chiwenga.

He emphasized that the G20 must lead by promoting fair data use and accelerating technology transfer to the Global South.

“A fair and just future will not emerge by chance. It can only be built through decisive policies that fundamentally link critical or strategic minerals to decent work and digital innovation for social justice.

“Zimbabwe stands ready to collaborate with all partners to ensure that the green and digital transitions become true engines of inclusive growth. Let us build a future where prosperity is shared, technology is humane, and development is sustainable,” said VP Chiwenga.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa added that the Summit’s declaration marked a renewed commitment to global cooperation.

“We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people for a decent life, lived in peace and dignity, may be realised,” said President Ramaphosa.

“Today, we have adopted the Leaders’ Declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions we have agreed upon to build a better, more equal, and sustainable world.

“The Leaders’ Declaration is a profound affirmation of the value of multilateralism and the importance of dialogue. As the leaders of the G20 and Guest Countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation, and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow,” said President Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile, World Trade Organization (WTO) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged Africa to strengthen its control over critical minerals to ensure the continent benefits from its resources.