Africa is increasingly being recognized as a central player in the global shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, driven by its vast reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper and platinum group metals (PGMs).
According to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, Africa’s mineral wealth places the continent at the heart of global supply chains needed for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle (EV) production. These minerals are essential for solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems and EV batteries.
Global demand for critical minerals is expected to rise sharply as countries accelerate energy transition efforts. Forecasts indicate that demand for minerals like cobalt, lithium and nickel could grow by as much as five times by 2035 compared to 2023 levels. At the same time, global supply faces increasing pressure due to geopolitical risks, supply chain concentration and sustainability concerns.
Africa hosts some of the world’s richest mineral deposits and led global production of cobalt, copper, gold and PGMs in 2024, while rapidly expanding lithium output. Key producing countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, Namibia, South Africa and Morocco.
The DRC remains the world’s dominant cobalt producer, with mines such as Kisanfu, Tenke Fungurume and Kamoto together accounting for more than half of global output in 2024. The country is now working to increase local value addition by expanding refining capacity and improving ethical and environmental standards. Temporary export restrictions introduced in 2025 helped stabilize prices, with authorities now considering flexible export quotas.
Lithium production across Africa reached 124,230 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2024, mainly from hard-rock deposits. Zimbabwe leads continental output, while Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Ghana and the DRC continue to scale up production. Africa holds an estimated 26.7 million tonnes of identified lithium resources, about 5% of the global total. Several countries are also investing in local processing facilities, including a $450 million lithium refinery project in Zimbabwe.
International interest in Africa’s mineral sector is growing. China remains a major investor, while the United States and European Union have stepped up engagement through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investment and responsible mining initiatives. Projects such as the Lobito Corridor rail link are aimed at improving transport infrastructure to connect mining hubs to global markets.
Speaking on the continent’s strategic importance, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said:
“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 industrialization, create jobs, and secure its position at the heart of the clean energy economy.”
The African Energy Chamber notes that continued exploration, investment in refining capacity and stronger international partnerships will be critical for Africa to fully benefit from the global clean energy transition, while supporting long-term economic development.
