Africa’s Critical Minerals Position the Continent at the Heart of the Global Energy Transition
As the global economy accelerates its transition from fossil fuels to clean energy technologies, Africa is emerging as a pivotal supplier of the critical minerals required to power this shift. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, the continent’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, copper and platinum group metals (PGMs) place Africa at the centre of global supply chains supporting renewable energy deployment and the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs).
Global Demand and Supply Pressures
The energy transition is driving unprecedented demand for minerals essential to clean technologies. EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and energy storage systems require significantly higher volumes of cobalt, lithium and nickel than traditional energy infrastructure. Global demand for these minerals is projected to rise by as much as five times by 2035, compared to 2023 levels. At the same time, supply constraints are expected to intensify toward the end of the decade, raising concerns around resource availability, sustainability and geopolitical risk. Concentrated refining capacity, trade disruptions and increasing regulatory scrutiny are reinforcing the urgency for diversified and resilient mineral supply chains.
Africa’s resource endowment positions it as a critical solution to these challenges. In 2024, the continent led global production of cobalt, copper, gold and PGMs, while rapidly expanding its lithium output. Key producing countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia, South Africa and Morocco. While China remains the dominant foreign investor in African mining, supported by initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the United States and European Union have intensified engagement through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments and cooperation agreements aimed at securing long-term, responsibly sourced mineral supplies.
Cobalt and Lithium: Strategic Pillars of Africa’s Mineral Economy
Cobalt remains essential to lithium-ion battery manufacturing, with the DRC accounting for the majority of global supply in 2024. Major operations such as Kisanfu, Tenke Fungurume and Kamoto collectively contributed more than half of global cobalt output, underscoring Africa’s central role in the battery value chain. To capture greater value domestically, the DRC is expanding refining capacity to convert cobalt hydroxide into higher-value cobalt metal, while strengthening environmental, ethical and traceability standards. Temporary export restrictions introduced in 2025 helped stabilize prices, with the government now exploring flexible export quotas to balance market stability and producer returns.
Africa produced approximately 124,230 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2024, largely from hard rock spodumene deposits. Zimbabwe leads production, with Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Ghana and the DRC scaling up output. The continent holds an estimated 26.7 million tons of identified lithium resources, representing about 5% of global reserves. Morocco currently hosts battery-grade refining capacity, while Zimbabwe is developing a $450 million lithium refinery at the Mapinga Industrial Park. Competitive production costs – ranging from $250 to $650 per ton, compared to roughly $800 per ton in Australia – further enhance Africa’s attractiveness. Governments across the region are increasing state participation in lithium projects to retain economic value and ensure long-term strategic benefits.
Africa at the Core of the Global Energy Transition
Securing African critical mineral supply chains has become a global priority. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Minerals Security Partnership have committed more than $200 million to African mining projects focused on infrastructure, responsible sourcing and downstream industrial development. Initiatives such as the Lobito Corridor, a rail link connecting Zambia and Angola, aim to improve export efficiency and regional integration. Supported by a $553 million DFC loan and EU backing, the corridor illustrates the importance of infrastructure in linking African mineral producers to global markets sustainably.
“Africa’s mineral wealth is not just a resource; it is a strategic asset for the global energy transition,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “By prioritizing local beneficiation, ethical production and sustainable supply chains, Africa can drive industrialization, create jobs and secure its place at the centre of the clean energy economy.”
With continued exploration, expanded refining capacity and deepening international partnerships, Africa is well positioned to play an even greater role in supplying the critical minerals required for a decarbonized global future.
