African nations seek local processing of critical minerals

African nations are increasingly prioritizing the local transformation of critical minerals to capture more value within their own borders. Rather than merely exporting raw materials, countries are seeking to establish domestic refining, sorting, and manufacturing industries to drive economic growth and job creation.

In Kenya, the United States has pledged support to help develop a local processing industry for critical minerals. President William Ruto has welcomed this assistance, which aligns with Kenya’s existing efforts, such as the Mrima Hill project in Kwale County, which requires operators to establish local treatment sites.

Similarly, Gabon has become a strategic focal point in the geopolitical competition between China and the United States due to its manganese reserves. While China currently maintains a dominant position in global processing chains, the United States is mobilizing financing and partnerships to secure its own supplies. For Gabon, the challenge lies in leveraging this rivalry to fund national industrial policies and ensure economic sovereignty through local mineral processing.