Cape Town: Africa's vast reserves of critical minerals, such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and platinum group metals (PGMs), position the continent as a pivotal player in the global supply chains crucial for renewable energy deployment and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

According to African Press Organization, the energy transition is driving unprecedented demand for minerals essential to clean technologies. Solar panels, wind turbines, EV batteries, and energy storage systems require significantly more cobalt, lithium, and nickel than conventional energy systems. Forecasts suggest that global demand for these minerals may increase up to five-fold by 2035 compared to 2023 levels. Despite this surging demand, global supply faces potential deficits toward the end of the decade. The need for diversified and reliable sources of critical minerals is highlighted by geopolitical tensions, concentrated refining capacities, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Africa hosts some of the world's richest deposits of critical minerals, making the continent indispensable to the energy transition. In 2024, Africa led global production of cobalt, copper, gold, and PGMs, while rapidly expanding its lithium sector. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco are at the forefront of production. China has long been the largest foreign investor in Africa's mining sector, leveraging government-backed initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative to secure resource access. More recently, the U.S. and EU have increased engagement, prioritizing strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and cooperation agreements to secure mineral supply chains and support responsible mining practices.

Cobalt remains a cornerstone of lithium-ion battery production, with the DRC dominating global cobalt supply in 2024. Top mines such as Kisanfu, Tenke Fungurume, and Kamoto accounted for more than 50% of global cobalt output, emphasizing Africa's central position in this critical sector. The DRC is enhancing its refining capacity to capture more value domestically and is emphasizing ethical production, traceability, and environmental standards to cement its status as a responsible supplier.

In 2024, Africa produced 124,230 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), primarily from hard rock spodumene deposits. Zimbabwe led the continent's output, with Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Ghana, and the DRC ramping up production. The continent boasts 26.7 million tons of identified lithium resources, representing 5% of the global total. Morocco hosts viable battery-grade chemical refining, while Zimbabwe is advancing a $450 million refinery at the Mapinga Industrial Park. African lithium production costs remain competitive against the global benchmark.

Securing African critical mineral supply chains is a global priority. The U.S., through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Minerals Security Partnership, has invested over $200 million in African mining projects. These initiatives focus on infrastructure development, responsible sourcing, and local battery production in collaboration with the DRC and Zambia. Projects like the Lobito Corridor aim to create a transcontinental trade route to facilitate mineral exports, backed by substantial loans and EU support.

Africa's critical mineral reserves are essential for global energy security and the clean energy transition. With ongoing exploration, investment in refining capacity, and strategic partnerships, the continent is poised to expand its role in supplying the minerals needed for a decarbonized future.