Africa’s Critical Minerals: The Battle for Resources
Harouna CHERIF
Helping Your Business Thrive in Africa | Connecting You with Trusted Partners and Governments in Critical Minerals, Energy, Infrastructure, and Pharma.
Africa’s vast mineral wealth is attracting global powers, with China and the West vying for control of critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and nickel, essential for electric vehicles and green energy technologies. While Africa’s resources are highly sought after, the continent must carefully navigate these global interests to ensure long-term benefits.
China’s Dominance and Western Competition
China has long been Africa’s largest partner in the mining sector, using the Belt and Road Initiative to secure access to minerals. The Lobito Corridor Project, for example, connects mineral-rich regions in Zambia and the DRC to Angola, strengthening China’s control over critical materials. However, the West is now ramping up its efforts through initiatives like the Minerals Security Partnership, seeking to reduce dependency on China by securing alternative sources of minerals for green technologies.
Africa’s Strategic Position and Untapped Potential
Africa holds two-thirds of the world’s cobalt, 90% of platinum group metals, and 30% of lithium—key resources for clean energy. Yet, despite these vast mineral reserves, Africa has not fully capitalised on its resources. Unlike Dubai, which diversified its economy using oil wealth, Africa remains focused on raw material exports, missing the chance to develop local industries and create jobs.
With a population of over 1.4 billion people, Africa’s young workforce presents a huge opportunity. To benefit from its mineral wealth, Africa needs to move beyond extraction and build industries that process these materials locally, creating high-value products and long-term economic growth.
The Path Forward: Infrastructure and Strategic Partnerships
To unlock Africa’s potential, significant investment in infrastructure is crucial. Projects like the Lobito Corridor Railway are essential for transporting minerals, but more needs to be done to improve transport, energy, and industrial capacity across the continent. Africa needs partnerships that prioritise local value creation while securing global investments.
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For Africa to truly benefit, it must adopt policies that encourage local manufacturing, link mineral extraction with industrial growth, and ensure that the wealth generated from minerals stays within the continent.
Why Africa Must Act Now
Africa is in a unique position to lead the green energy revolution, but only if it seizes this opportunity. By focusing on local value addition, infrastructure development, and sustainable partnerships, Africa can transform its mineral wealth into long-term economic growth, ensuring its place in the global market.
About the Author
CHERIF Harouna is a seasoned African consultant with a wealth of experience in African affairs. Over a decade of expertise in navigating intricate investments across the continent, he is dedicated to cultivating ethical and impactful business partnerships in Africa.
For more insights or to discuss potential collaboration opportunities, connect with CHERIF on LinkedIn CherifProfile or email at cherif@har-che.com.
Chief Executive Officer | Board Member
6dValue addition begins with responsible sourcing. Only minerals sourced responsibly can be refined by internationally accredited refineries and traded in liquid markets. Local processing does not inherently add value unless local refineries and manufacturing units have international accreditation (e.g., LBMA, LPPM for gold and PGM). Without this, it may even diminish the value of the minerals due to compromised traceability.
Country Director at HAR-CHE Business Solutions | Help Businesses To Establish In Guinea Conakry | Mining | Trade | ESG Risk
2wAfrica should invest in local processing, build infrastructure, and create policies that drive long term value from its mineral resources. Anyway will all know this right, but only actions will make a difference
Helping Your Business Thrive in Africa | Connecting You with Trusted Partners and Governments in Critical Minerals, Energy, Infrastructure, and Pharma.
2w📌 📌 The real challenge lies in the lack of inter-regional connections and collaboration. What’s stopping African nations from building stronger partnerships and finding solutions within the continent, instead of waiting for external decision