SADC Urged to Build Regional Mineral Value Chains Through Beneficiation

Southern African countries have been urged to shift away from exporting raw minerals and instead develop regional value chains that support industrialisation, technology development and long-term economic growth.

Speaking during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrial Week in Durban, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, said the region possesses the critical minerals needed to power future industries but must capture more value through local beneficiation and advanced manufacturing.

He stressed that Africa’s development ambitions depend on transforming its mineral wealth into finished products rather than continuing to export unprocessed resources.

Nzimande noted that minerals such as platinum group metals, lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements have become strategically important as global demand accelerates for batteries, hydrogen technologies, renewable energy systems and electric vehicles.

According to the minister, the challenge facing SADC is no longer access to mineral resources but how member states collaborate to build competitive regional industries capable of supplying global clean energy markets.

He said closer regional cooperation would allow countries to develop integrated supply chains covering mineral processing, battery materials, hydrogen technologies, advanced manufacturing and value-added exports.

Hydrogen Economy Gains Momentum

South Africa is positioning itself as a regional leader in hydrogen innovation through long-term investment in research and development.

Nzimande highlighted the country’s Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme, which has established specialised research centres focusing on hydrogen production, storage, distribution and fuel cell technologies.

The programme has already produced platinum-based fuel cell catalysts, hydrogen storage systems and membrane technologies that support the growing hydrogen economy.

Government has also introduced a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station developed in partnership with North-West University and Toyota South Africa Motors, demonstrating the practical application of hydrogen technologies within the transport sector.

A new Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility has also been launched to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen technologies developed through local research.

Expanding Battery Manufacturing

Alongside hydrogen, South Africa is investing heavily in battery technology as demand for energy storage and electric vehicles continues to expand globally.

Research programmes are focusing on developing battery-grade manganese products using locally mined minerals, with partnerships involving universities and industry aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure more minerals are processed within Africa before entering international markets.

Officials believe local production of battery materials will encourage investment, create skilled employment and strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Regional Cooperation Key

Nzimande said SADC countries have a unique opportunity to establish themselves as suppliers of advanced materials and green technologies rather than remaining exporters of raw commodities.

He added that stronger collaboration between governments, research institutions and the private sector will be essential for building resilient regional industries capable of competing globally.

With demand for critical minerals expected to remain strong for decades, the minister said Africa has an opportunity to secure a larger share of the global clean energy economy through beneficiation, innovation and regional integration.

By combining mineral wealth with scientific research, technology development and coordinated industrial policy, SADC could significantly expand manufacturing, attract investment and strengthen the continent’s economic sovereignty.