[20 November 2024] – On African Industrialization Day, Development Reimagined proudly launches its latest report, “Africa-China Cooperation on Critical Minerals: Centering Africa’s Development in a Global Race.” This groundbreaking report explores Africa’s strategic role in the critical minerals race, evaluates the dynamics of Africa-China mining cooperation, and advocates for a partnership framework that champions Africa’s economic growth, industrialization, and sustainability.
As the world transitions toward a zero-carbon future, demand for critical minerals essential to clean technologies is skyrocketing. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements—integral to industries like electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy—are projected to see their global demand double by 2030. With Africa possessing 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, many of which are pivotal for clean energy and digital transformation, the continent is poised to become a key player in this global competition, with major powers like the US, EU, and China vying for access to its resources.
Despite its mineral wealth, Africa has historically been relegated to the margins of global value chains, serving primarily as a source of raw materials. This approach has limited the continent’s potential for economic transformation, job creation, and industrial growth. However, the current critical minerals boom presents a unique opportunity for African nations to reshape their roles by upgrading supply chains and pursuing resource-based industrialization.
This report underscores the urgency of centering Africa’s development in the global race for critical minerals. It offers a comprehensive analysis of Africa’s critical minerals landscape, with a particular focus on its partnership with China and comparisons to the US and EU. The report also presents a case study on how Africa can establish its own EV battery value chain by leveraging its reserves of lithium and cobalt to meet the surging demand from domestic and global markets.
A key message in the report is that Africa-China mining cooperation must prioritize Africa’s long-term development over mere resource extraction. To achieve this, the report advocates making critical minerals a priority area within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Strategic Recommendations
The report outlines six key strategies to strengthen Africa-China collaboration in the critical minerals sector:
- Strengthening African Geoscience Institutions: Build and expand geoscience institutions to enhance geological mapping and mineral resource assessment across Africa.
- Advancing Mining Technology and Skills: Establish partnerships for training and research to enhance technological expertise and foster local capacity in Africa’s mining sector.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Prioritize infrastructure investments in transportation and energy to enable value chain development and industrialization beyond extraction.
- Encouraging Localized Mineral Processing: Develop in-country and regional processing facilities to maximize value retention within Africa.
- Supporting Emerging Green Industries: Drive investment in green energy sectors such as battery and EV manufacturing, creating demand for locally processed minerals.
- Ensuring Sustainable Mining Practices: Promote adherence to international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards by Chinese companies to ensure sustainable and responsible mining.
Africa at the Crossroads
As the global race for critical minerals intensifies, Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to redefine its role. This report emphasizes that Africa-China mining cooperation must align with Africa’s broader development goals, moving beyond resource extraction to deliver long-term benefits.
By prioritizing industrialization, sustainability, and value retention, this new phase of cooperation can empower Africa to fully harness its vast mineral wealth while driving inclusive economic growth.
To access the full report, click [here for English].
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Email: clients@developmentreimagined.com
