For the first time, minerals have been recognized in the joint climate declaration of African leaders, marking what experts say is a historic moment in shaping the continent’s role in the global clean energy transition.
Nafi Quarshie, Africa Director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), described the recognition as a landmark step that highlights Africa’s leadership in powering the clean energy future. But she cautioned that recognition alone is insufficient if it is not backed by strong governance and clear priorities.
“Without strong governance, the mineral boom could repeat the mistakes of the past,” Quarshie noted. “African leaders must now also embed minerals into their priorities for COP30 so the global climate framework helps create jobs through mineral processing and new industries, fuelling green industrialization and shared prosperity instead of new sacrifice zones in Africa and everywhere else.”
Africa’s Strategic Resources
The continent is home to significant reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, and bauxite, all vital for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles. Experts argue that the new recognition could shift Africa’s position from being a supplier of raw materials to an active participant in global green value chains.
From Rhetoric to Results
Observers point out that the challenge now lies in translating commitments into tangible results. Without robust regulatory frameworks, transparent contracts, and investment in local value addition, the continent risks once again exporting raw materials without reaping the full benefits of its resource wealth.
As COP30 approaches in Brazil, expectations are mounting that African leaders will push for frameworks that prioritize fair participation, local processing, and equitable sharing of benefits. Ghana, with its growing interest in lithium and manganese production, stands to benefit if minerals are harnessed for industrialization and job creation.
