Africa possesses many of the minerals needed to power the global clean-energy transition, from cobalt and copper to manganese, lithium and graphite. Yet extracting these resources is only the first step in capturing their economic value. The greater opportunity lies in processing minerals, manufacturing components and building regional supply chains that create jobs, develop technical expertise and diversify exports.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the world’s leading mined-cobalt producer, accounting for about 75 per cent of global output in 2024, according to the US Geological Survey. South Africa is also a major producer of manganese, an important material for steelmaking and battery technologies. However, much of the processing and conversion that supplies advanced manufacturing remains concentrated outside Africa.
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China’s position in mineral processing illustrates the scale of the challenge. The International Energy Agency’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025 found that China dominates the refining of several key energy minerals, including lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements. Its established industrial capacity, technical expertise and integrated supply chains give it significant advantages in cost and production scale. For African countries, competing will require more than retaining raw materials at the border; it will require building industries capable of producing reliably and competitively.
Electricity is one of the most immediate constraints. The World Bank’s 2026 energy-access update estimates that more than 560 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack electricity. Mineral processing and component manufacturing require dependable power, transport infrastructure and industrial services. Without these foundations, factories may struggle to operate efficiently, while investors face higher costs and greater uncertainty.
Export restrictions alone cannot solve these problems. Zimbabwe, for example, announced restrictions on exports of unprocessed lithium in 2022 to encourage domestic processing. Such measures can create incentives for investment, but they cannot substitute for electricity, technical skills, suitable infrastructure or commercially viable processing facilities. Restrictions introduced before alternatives are available may disrupt existing supply chains and reduce revenues without creating new industries.
A stronger approach would connect mineral policy to a clear industrial strategy. Governments need to identify which stages of processing are commercially viable, assess infrastructure requirements, develop skilled workforces and establish predictable rules for investors. Where export restrictions are used, they should be targeted, transparent and linked to measurable investment, employment and production outcomes.
Regional cooperation could strengthen this approach. The DRC and Zambia have explored joint development of battery and electric-vehicle value chains, drawing on their complementary mineral resources and mining industries. Cooperation could help create a larger investment proposition, support shared infrastructure and connect producers with regional manufacturers. Success, however, will depend on coordinated regulations, predictable taxation, efficient customs procedures and credible dispute-resolution systems.
The African Continental Free Trade Area could provide a wider market for processed minerals, battery materials and manufactured components. Realising that opportunity requires practical implementation: compatible product standards, clear rules of origin, efficient border procedures and reliable transport links. Regional industrial zones can help concentrate infrastructure and suppliers, but their value should be measured by local employment, supplier development, exports and tax contributions rather than investment announcements alone.
Skills and technology transfer are equally important. Processing industries need metallurgists, chemical engineers, electricians, technicians and quality-control specialists. Governments and companies should connect technical colleges and universities with employers through apprenticeships and industry-led training. Technology partnerships should also build local expertise and supplier capacity, ensuring that investment strengthens domestic capabilities rather than leaving African facilities dependent on imported equipment and external specialists.
Financing remains a further obstacle. Processing plants require substantial upfront capital, while currency volatility, high borrowing costs and uncertain regulations can make projects expensive. Governments can improve investment prospects through reliable infrastructure, stronger project preparation and predictable commercial rules. Public guarantees and subsidies, where necessary, should be transparent and limited so that commercial risks do not become unmanageable liabilities for taxpayers.
Industrial growth must also protect communities and the environment. Mineral processing can consume significant quantities of energy and water and generate hazardous waste. Strong environmental assessments, transparent monitoring, safe working conditions and community consultation are therefore essential. Domestic value addition should not simply transfer pollution and unsafe working conditions from overseas markets to communities near African mines and factories.
Africa’s mineral wealth offers a strategic opening, but resources alone will not deliver industrial transformation. Progress should be measured by whether processing plants operate competitively, local workers acquire valuable skills, domestic suppliers win contracts, exports become more diversified and environmental standards are enforced.
The clean-energy transition presents Africa with an opportunity to move beyond supplying the raw materials of global industry and become a more active participant in manufacturing. Capturing that opportunity will require sustained investment, regional cooperation and policies grounded in commercial realities. The objective is not merely to process more minerals, but to build industries that create lasting value for African economies and communities.
