Africa’s Critical Minerals and the Future of the Global Energy Transition

By Naija Enquirer Staff

As the world accelerates its transition from fossil fuels to clean energy technologies, Africa is emerging as a central player in supplying the minerals that underpin this global shift.

According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, the continent’s abundant reserves of critical minerals – including cobalt, lithium, copper and platinum group metals (PGMs) – position Africa at the heart of global supply chains essential for renewable energy deployment and electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Global Demand and Supply Dynamics

The global energy transition is driving unprecedented demand for minerals critical to clean technologies. Solar panels, wind turbines, EV batteries and energy storage systems require significantly higher volumes of cobalt, lithium and nickel compared to conventional energy systems.

Forecasts indicate that global demand for these minerals could rise by as much as five-fold by 2035 compared to 2023 levels. However, despite surging demand, global supply faces growing pressure, with potential deficits expected toward the end of the decade.

Concerns around sourcing, sustainability and project development are intensifying amid geopolitical tensions, concentrated refining capacities and persistent supply chain vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for diversified and reliable sources of critical minerals.

Africa’s Expanding Role in Global Supply

Africa hosts some of the world’s richest deposits of critical minerals, making the continent indispensable to the global energy transition. In 2024, Africa led global production of cobalt, copper, gold and PGMs, while rapidly expanding its lithium output.

Countries at the forefront of production include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia, South Africa and Morocco.

China has remained the largest foreign investor in Africa’s mining sector, leveraging government-backed initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative to secure long-term access to mineral resources. In recent years, however, the United States and the European Union have intensified engagement, prioritising strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments and cooperation agreements to secure mineral supply chains and promote responsible mining practices.

Cobalt and Lithium: Africa’s Strategic Advantage

Cobalt remains a cornerstone of lithium-ion battery production. In 2024, the DRC dominated global cobalt supply, with major operations including Kisanfu (51.92 kilotonnes, accounting for 19.95 per cent of global output), Tenke Fungurume (48.08 kilotonnes) and Kamoto (27.2 kilotonnes).

Combined, these mines accounted for more than half of global cobalt production, highlighting Africa’s central role in this critical sector.

The DRC is implementing strategies to capture greater domestic value by developing refining capacity to convert cobalt hydroxide into higher-value cobalt metal. Ethical production, traceability and environmental standards are being prioritised to position the country as a responsible global supplier.

Temporary cobalt export bans introduced in 2025 helped stabilise global prices, and authorities are now considering flexible export quotas to balance market stability with producer profitability.

Africa produced approximately 124,230 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2024, largely from hard rock spodumene deposits. Zimbabwe leads continental output, with Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Ghana and the DRC rapidly increasing production.

The continent holds an estimated 26.7 million tonnes of identified lithium resources, representing about five per cent of the global total.

Morocco currently hosts viable battery-grade chemical refining capacity, while Zimbabwe is advancing a $450 million lithium refinery at the Mapinga Industrial Park.

African lithium production costs, estimated between $250 and $650 per tonne of spodumene concentrate, remain competitive compared with the global benchmark of around $800 per tonne in Australia.

State participation in the sector is also increasing, with Mali, Ghana and Zimbabwe mandating national equity stakes to retain economic benefits and secure long-term strategic value from lithium development.

Africa at the Centre of the Energy Transition

Securing Africa’s critical mineral supply chains has become a global priority. The United States, through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Minerals Security Partnership, has invested more than $200 million in African mining projects.

These initiatives focus on infrastructure development, responsible sourcing and local battery production in collaboration with countries such as the DRC and Zambia.

Projects like the Lobito Corridor, a rail link connecting Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic coast, aim to establish a transcontinental trade route to facilitate efficient mineral exports. Backed by a $553 million DFC loan and European Union support, the corridor highlights the importance of infrastructure in connecting African mining hubs to global markets.

“Africa’s mineral wealth is not just a resource; it is a strategic asset for the global energy transition. By fostering local beneficiation, ethical production and sustainable supply chains, Africa can drive industrialisation, create jobs and secure its position at the heart of the clean energy economy,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

With continued exploration, investment in refining capacity and expanding strategic partnerships, Africa’s critical mineral reserves are set to play an increasingly vital role in global energy security and the transition to a decarbonised future.