Global Demand for Critical Minerals Boosts Africa’s Mining Sector and Jobs
Africa’s mining sector continues to be a cornerstone of employment and economic growth, driven by rising global demand for critical minerals. The Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals 2026, published last week by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), estimates the continent’s mineral wealth at $29.5 trillion, representing about 20% of global reserves, with $8.6 trillion still untapped. The report highlights a clear opportunity for Africa to accelerate industrialization and job creation by focusing on value addition in downstream industries, including aluminium, fertilizers, battery materials, and alloys.
Expanding Production, Expanding Jobs
As African nations advance greenfield projects and expand or restart brownfield operations, mining’s role as an employer is set to grow.
In Namibia, the resumption of uranium production in 2025–2026 has fueled sector growth. Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Krohne reported that Namibia’s mining industry directly employed 20,843 people at the end of 2024. With diversification into rare earths, copper, lithium, and other critical minerals, alongside a forthcoming minerals bill, Namibia aims to attract new capital and expand workforce participation.
“Namibia is committed to supporting small-scale miners and improving livelihoods. We are focusing on finance support schemes and training programs to equip our workforce with emerging skills,” said Krohne.
In South Africa, the government plans to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to strengthen the critical minerals value chain. The strategy spans exploration, project development, manufacturing, and skills training, reinforcing mining’s role in employment and export growth. In 2025, mining employment remained stable at around 468,000 formal workers.
In Zambia, mining remains a key employment driver, supporting over 73,000 jobs in 2025. Planned greenfield and brownfield expansions are expected to further increase sector employment. For example, KoBold Metals’ $300 million Mingomba Mine development will create more than 700 jobs. Meanwhile, Vedanta Resources is investing $1.5 billion at Konkola Copper Mines, and First Quantum Minerals is injecting $1.25 billion into the Kansanshi S3 Expansion project.
Translating Capital into Jobs
AFC underscores the link between investment and employment. At African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, Molebogeng Mazibuko, AFC’s Associate VP of Investment, highlighted the importance of partnerships between African investors and global financiers to accelerate employment growth. AFC’s $700 million in mining investments has already generated over 15,000 jobs, with around 70% directed toward critical minerals.
Global Critical Minerals Demand and Opportunities
Global demand for African minerals from the U.S., Europe, and China presents further employment opportunities. A December 2025 agreement between the U.S. and DRC on mineral extraction, value addition, and trade is expected to boost jobs in the DRC’s mining sector. The DRC, already a major employer with over 100,000 mining jobs, has only exploited 10% of its estimated $24 trillion in mineral reserves, leaving substantial potential for employment growth.
Addressing Investment Gaps
Despite mining’s growing contribution to jobs, access to capital remains a challenge, particularly for local operators and small-scale miners. Limited financing slows project development and constrains employment expansion.
AMW 2026, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, aims to bridge this gap by connecting global investors with bankable opportunities across Africa. By facilitating partnerships and deal-making, the event seeks to turn capital inflows into industrial growth and sustainable employment in Africa’s mining sector.
