Staff Writer
Africa is playing a crucial role in providing the necessary minerals for the global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
The African Energy Chamber, in its State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, says Africa’s large reserves of cobalt, lithium, copper and platinum group metals place the continent at the core of global supply chains for renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The move toward clean energy is driving sharp growth in demand for these minerals. Solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems require far more mineral inputs than traditional energy systems.
Forecasts show global demand for key minerals could rise by up to five times by 2035 compared to 2023 levels. At the same time, supply is under pressure, with possible shortages expected later in the decade.
Concerns surrounding sourcing, sustainability, and project development are growing. Geopolitical tensions, limited refining capacity and fragile supply chains are increasing the need for diversified and reliable mineral sources.
Africa holds some of the world’s richest deposits of critical minerals.
In 2024, the continent led the global production of cobalt, copper, gold, and platinum- group metals, while lithium output expanded rapidly.
Key producing countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia, South Africa and Morocco.
China remains the largest foreign investor in Africa’s mining sector, using state-backed initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative to secure access to resources.
In recent years, the United States and the European Union have stepped up engagement through strategic partnerships, infrastructure funding and cooperative agreements aimed at securing mineral supply chains and supporting responsible mining.
Cobalt remains vital to lithium-ion battery production. The Democratic Republic of Congo dominated global cobalt supply in 2024.
Major mines, such as Kisanfu, Tenke Fungurume, and Kamoto, together produced more than half of global output, underscoring Africa’s importance in this sector.
Africa produced 124,230 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2024, mainly from hard rock spodumene deposits. Zimbabwe led production, while Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo increased output.
The continent holds 26.7 million tonnes of identified lithium resources, equal to about 5% of the global total. Morocco hosts battery-grade chemical refining, while Zimbabwe is advancing a US$450 million refinery at the Mapinga Industrial Park.
African lithium production costs range from US$250 to US$650 per tonne of spodumene concentrate, below the global benchmark of about US$800 per tonne in Australia.
Securing African critical mineral supply chains has become a global priority. The United States, through the Development Finance Corporation and the Minerals Security Partnership, has invested more than US$200 million in African mining projects.
These efforts focus on infrastructure, responsible sourcing and local battery production, particularly in partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Projects such as the Lobito Corridor, a rail link connecting Zambia and Angola, aim to improve mineral export routes.
Supported by a US$553 million DFC loan and backing from the European Union, the corridor shows how infrastructure investment can link African mining centres to global markets more efficiently.
Caption
Africa is emerging as a central player in supplying critical minerals.
- Photo: Contributed
