Unlocking Africa’s Critical Mineral Potential Through Regional Cooperation Under AfCFTA

Unlocking Africa’s Critical Mineral Potential Through Regional Cooperation Under AfCFTA

Africa holds an estimated 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves and is seeking to leverage this strategic advantage through stronger regional cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The continent’s vast reserves include platinum group metals, manganese and chrome, placing Africa at the centre of emerging global supply chains linked to electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. Major producers such as South Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia play a pivotal role in supplying cobalt, copper and platinum group metals to international markets.

Despite this resource wealth, intra-African trade remains limited, accounting for only around 16% of total trade. Policymakers increasingly view regional integration as essential to unlocking greater value from the continent’s mineral endowment.

Critical minerals are central to the global energy transition, forming key components in electric vehicles, battery storage systems and renewable energy infrastructure. As global demand accelerates, African governments are intensifying collaboration to harmonise regulations, strengthen geological data systems and promote beneficiation.

In a recent move, Gabon’s Ministry of Mines signed a cooperation agreement with Council for Geoscience of South Africa. The partnership aims to enhance Gabon’s geological mapping and mineral database, supporting faster development of its potash, manganese and iron ore sectors. The agreement also prioritises skills development, training and knowledge transfer to build long-term technical capacity.

Regional policy coordination remains a key focus. Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has emphasised that harmonising natural resource laws and aligning with frameworks such as the ECOWAS Mining Code and the African Mining Vision are crucial to unlocking Africa’s mining potential. However, competing national interests continue to pose challenges to deeper continental coordination.

Further strengthening regional ties, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa signed an agreement in February 2026 with the Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie in the DRC. The partnership aims to mobilise financing for mining, energy and transport projects, combining the DRC’s vast cobalt and copper reserves with South Africa’s financial and industrial expertise.

Other African nations are also aligning their strategies. Nigeria and South Sudan are collaborating with South Africa to strengthen geological mapping, mineral exploration and technical capacity. Both countries are seeking to diversify their economies away from oil dependency and view mining as a pathway to industrial growth and investment attraction.

Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of regional integration. Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development has highlighted strategic corridors such as Lagos–Abidjan and Lagos–Maputo, emphasising that these routes should facilitate not only the export of raw materials but also cross-border processing industries. Such an approach would help retain more economic value within Africa and support the growth of regional value chains.

As global demand for critical minerals intensifies, African leaders are increasingly recognising that coordinated policies, shared infrastructure and harmonised regulatory frameworks are essential. Through AfCFTA and strengthened bilateral partnerships, the continent aims to transition from a raw material exporter to a competitive hub for processing, manufacturing and green industrial development.