Leveraging Critical Minerals to Catalyze Inclusive Broad-based Development in Africa

 Introduction

As the world increasingly turns to clean energy technologies to combat climate change, the demand for critical minerals—essential for producing batteries, solar panels, and other renewable energy infrastructure – continues to rise [1]. With its rich endowment of these minerals, Africa stands at a pivotal moment, to play a vital role in the global supply chain, offering hope for a sustainable future.

However, the region faces several challenges in capitalising on its critical mineral resources. The most pressing of these challenges include limited infrastructure, inadequate financing, and weak governance frameworks. The continent’s mining sector is often characterised by outdated technologies and insufficient value addition, which limit the potential for local beneficiation and industrialisation. Additionally, Africa struggles with regulatory instability and a lack of transparency, which deter foreign investment and stifle the development of sustainable mining practices. Furthermore, geopolitical risks and conflicts in some regions pose significant barriers to harnessing these resources for long-term economic growth and development [2].

The African Regional Consultative Forum on Critical Minerals and Just Transition took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 21 and 22, 2024. A wide range of stakeholders participated, including government officials, industry experts, scholars, civil society organisations, and regional and international partners. The primary focus of the forum was to deliberate on the crucial issues at the juncture of extractive industries, climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development in Africa.

The forum discussions were robust and forward-looking, addressing the urgent need to align Africa’s critical minerals potential with its broader sustainable development goals. The insights and recommendations from the gathering have been synthesised into this Briefing Paper, which aims to guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society actors in harnessing Africa’s critical minerals to benefit all its people.

 This Briefing Paper serves three broad purposes: Download to read more