Africa's green mineral wealth requires regional cooperation

Africa holds significant reserves of critical minerals essential for the global green energy transition, including cobalt, lithium, copper, and manganese. However, a World Bank-commissioned study warns that much of this wealth may be wasted without increased regional cooperation and industrialization.

Currently, many African nations primarily export these minerals in their raw form, capturing minimal value within their own economies. The report highlights a heavy dependence on Asian buyers, particularly China, and a lack of local processing and refining capabilities. To convert mineral wealth into broad-based prosperity, the study suggests that countries must develop shared infrastructure, coordinated policies, and local manufacturing for green technologies.

The demand for these minerals is driven by the high requirements of renewable technologies; for example, electric vehicles require six times more minerals than conventional cars, and wind power plants require approximately nine times more than gas-fired plants. While mining provides significant economic benefits—such as export earnings, job creation, and public revenue—the long lead times from discovery to production and the need for advanced exploration remain challenges.