Africa is emerging as a pivotal player in the global mining sector, boasting vast reserves of critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and platinum.

The continent holds approximately 30 per cent of the world’s known mineral reserves, positioning it as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, according to the African Special Mining Report 2025 by Energy Capital & Power (ECP) and Moore Global.

Africa is transitioning from being a mere source of raw materials to a key player in global mineral processing and battery innovation.

Countries like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are experiencing a resurgence in copper production, driven by surging global demand for clean energy technologies.

By focusing on local processing and beneficiation, African nations can capture more economic benefits from their mineral wealth.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that if sub-Saharan Africa builds downstream capacity, it could capture 12 per cent of global mineral revenues and grow its GDP by 12 per cent.

As Western nations seek to reduce their dependency on China for critical minerals, Africa is increasingly seen as a vital alternative.

Recent offtake agreements between Glencore and Premier African Minerals for lithium reflect the urgency of securing long-term supply deals with African producers.

Private equity is making a notable return to African mining, driven by a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.

Countries like Ghana and Namibia are developing regulatory frameworks that promote responsible mining practices, aligning with global standards.