Africa mineral projects rise 36% as production lags behind exploration

Africa’s critical minerals pipeline has expanded by 36% to 658 projects, according to a report by Africa Business+ and EY. However, a significant gap exists between exploration and actual production. While exploration projects surged by 82% and development-stage projects rose by 70%, producing projects increased by only 11%. This imbalance suggests that while the continent is preparing future supply for minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel, it faces challenges in converting discoveries into market-ready volumes due to constraints in financing, permitting, and infrastructure.

In a related effort to boost economic integration, discussions at the AIM Congress 2026 highlighted the need for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve market access and regulatory predictability. Investors are seeking better logistics, digital innovation, and the alignment of national laws with the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment to transform the single-market ambition into a practical, commercially viable reality.