# African critical minerals and energy transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/african-critical-minerals-and-economic-development
> Updated: 2026-10-22T13:29:20.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 6.

African economic development is increasingly centered on the management of critical minerals and the strengthening of energy security. While the continent holds significant reserves of minerals essential for the global green energy transition—such as cobalt, lithium, copper, manganese, and graphite—much of the high-value refining and manufacturing remains concentrated outside the continent, particularly in China. For instance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo produces approximately 75 per cent of the world's cobalt, yet the continent struggles to move from raw extraction to domestic processing. Significant obstacles to industrialization persist, including insufficient transport infrastructure and a lack of dependable electricity, with over 560 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access.

To counter these challenges, nations like Zimbabwe have implemented bans on raw mineral exports to encourage domestic manufacturing. South Africa is also pursuing strategies to move beyond raw material exportation by developing downstream industries and manufacturing capabilities. The nation aims to leverage its significant mineral endowment, which includes approximately 88% of global platinum group metal reserves, 80% of manganese reserves, and 72% of chromite reserves, to support global supply chains for renewable energy and electric mobility.

In addition to mineral management, energy resilience remains a priority. President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the South African government is rebuilding strategic oil reserves to protect against global supply shocks and volatile fuel prices. This initiative seeks to create a buffer against market disruptions, such as those caused by conflicts in the Middle East, while balancing energy security with the need to maintain fuel levy revenues for public programs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: South Africa targets energy security through mineral investment and oil reserves

South Africa is working to strengthen energy security by rebuilding strategic oil reserves and leveraging its vast critical mineral wealth to attract investment in the global clean energy transition.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-targets-energy-security-through-mineral-investment-and-oil-reserves

### 2026-10-18: Africa's energy reserves offer strategic opportunity amid global volatility

Global energy volatility and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz offer Africa a chance to leverage its vast oil, gas, and critical mineral reserves through coordinated industrialization and fair trade.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africas-energy-reserves-offer-strategic-opportunity-amid-global-volatility

### 2026-10-15: African energy leaders urge domestic funding and sustainable transitions

Experts at African Energy Week and academic leaders urge African nations to prioritize domestic funding for energy and transition fossil fuel wealth into sustainable, renewable infrastructure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-energy-leaders-urge-domestic-funding-and-sustainable-transitions

### 2026-10-12: Africa seeks to move from mineral extraction to green manufacturing

African nations aim to transition from raw mineral exporters to industrial manufacturers to capture more value from the global green energy transition, despite infrastructure and skill shortages.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africa-seeks-to-move-from-mineral-extraction-to-green-manufacturing

### 2026-10-03: Africa focuses on energy security and domestic capital mobilization

Africa is focusing on strategic energy partnerships involving critical minerals and the development of domestic financial institutions to mobilize internal capital and strengthen regional hubs like Casablanca.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africa-focuses-on-energy-security-and-domestic-capital-mobilization

### 2026-09-29: Africa's green mineral wealth requires regional cooperation

A World Bank-commissioned study warns that Africa must improve regional cooperation and local processing to capture the economic value of its vast green mineral reserves used in the energy transition.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africas-green-mineral-wealth-requires-regional-cooperation

---
Cite as: African critical minerals and energy transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/african-critical-minerals-and-economic-development