AS the global race intensifies to secure critical minerals for green energy and digital transformation, African nations are stepping into a strategic spotlight. With abundant reserves of cobalt, copper, platinum group metals, and lithium, Africa is no longer just a source of raw materials—it’s becoming a central player in reshaping the global supply chain.
Governments across the continent are forging international partnerships to draw investment, accelerate industrialisation, and increase local value addition in the mining sector. As geopolitical tensions rise between the West and East, Africa is navigating the landscape with growing agency, using strategic diplomacy to maximise long-term benefits.
All eyes now turn to African Mining Week, taking place October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town, where African leaders will meet global stakeholders to shape the next phase of resource development and cooperation.
US–DRC partnership unlocks billions in minerals
In March 2025, the US State Department reaffirmed its commitment to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), eyeing its estimated $1.2 trillion in untapped mineral wealth. As the world’s largest cobalt and Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC plays a vital role in clean energy supply chains.
The US is deepening cooperation by providing financing and technical expertise. Notably, it has helped expand the Lobito Corridor—a regional transport initiative linking the DRC, Angola, and Zambia to global markets—positioning the corridor as a crucial trade route for battery minerals.
EU scales up green energy and mineral projects
The European Union is also ramping up its engagement. This month, the EU pledged €4.7bn to South Africa for critical mineral processing, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and vaccine manufacturing. The move will strengthen South Africa’s ability to export platinum group metals (PGMs), which are essential for electrolysers used in green hydrogen technology.
This builds on a $1bn green hydrogen deal South Africa signed with Denmark and the Netherlands in 2023. Namibia is following suit, with the EU committing €25 million to boost its green hydrogen ambitions via Namibia Hydrogen Fund Managers.
Elsewhere, Uganda has launched a Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector programme, backed by the EU and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, aimed at increasing local participation and sustainability in mining.
China deepens infrastructure-for-minerals strategy
China continues to assert its dominance in Africa’s mining sector. In September 2024, it pledged $50bn over three years for mineral and infrastructure development across the continent. In the DRC, Chinese giants like CMOC are investing $2.5bn to expand the Tenke Fungurume Mine, while Sinohydro and China Railway are advancing a $7bn infrastructure-for-minerals deal.
China has also bolstered its stake in Zimbabwe’s lithium industry and committed $1bn to upgrade the Tazara Railway, improving mineral exports from East Africa to global markets.
More players enter Africa’s mining arena
Beyond the usual players, countries like Canada, Australia, and the UAE are increasing their mining investments across Africa. Canadian firms are expanding operations in West Africa’s gold sector, Australian companies are supporting lithium and rare earth projects in Southern Africa, and the UAE is strategically acquiring stakes in critical mineral supply chains.
This surge in interest underlines Africa’s growing relevance as the world pivots towards decarbonisation and digital transformation.
African Mining Week to shape future collaborations
Set to take place in Cape Town this October, African Mining Week 2025 arrives at a crucial moment. The event will offer African governments a platform to attract investment, showcase opportunities, and negotiate strategic collaborations that align with national development goals.
With international demand for critical minerals skyrocketing, and global powers seeking secure supply chains, Africa is in a strong position to drive transformative deals that deliver both economic growth and value retention across the continent.
