The global race for critical minerals—the cobalt, lithium, and copper fueling the green energy revolution—has reignited a “scramble” for Africa. For decades, the story of African mining was a repetitive loop: raw materials extracted from the pit, transported to the port, and shipped away, leaving behind environmental scars and “greedy elites” while the real value was added in factories half a world away.
However, a shift is occurring in 2026. As global powers like the U.S., Europe, China, and Middle Eastern players compete for strategic dominance, African nations are realizing that in a world hungry for transition minerals, who has the minerals is king.
The New Leverage: From Pit to Port to Prosperity
The “scramble” is no longer just about extraction; it’s about leverage. African governments are taking bold steps to ensure they are no longer just the starting point of a supply chain, but a central hub.
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Tailored Mineral Strategies: Countries are moving away from one-size-fits-all policies. South Africa, for instance, has launched a comprehensive Critical Minerals Strategy focusing on PGM (Platinum Group Metals) and manganese, while Namibia and Zimbabwe have implemented strict bans on raw ore exports to force local processing.
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The Power of Partnership: Individualism is being replaced by regional cooperation. The Zambia-DRC battery value chain initiative and the Lobito Corridor railway project are prime examples of how cross-border infrastructure can create “bankable projects” that attract serious risk capital.
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Case Study: Mali’s Bold Play: Mali recently secured a 51% controlling stake in a China-backed industrial explosives venture. By insisting on majority ownership and localizing the supply of critical mining inputs, Mali is proving that African states can partner with giants like China without surrendering their sovereignty.
Playing the Long Game: Sustainability and Execution
History is a harsh teacher. To avoid the exploitation of the past, today’s leaders are focusing on sustainability and technology transfer.
“You can’t rely on external factors for success; everyone has their own interests. Success lies in turning scraps into resources through private sector synergy and iron-clad execution.”
The Pillars of African Success
To benefit from this geopolitical interest, governments are prioritizing three key areas:
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Human Capital: Investing in the skills required for refining and manufacturing, not just digging.
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Infrastructure: Building the “port and rail” systems that facilitate regional trade rather than just outbound exports.
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Risk Capital: Securing investment that understands the long-term nature of mining, moving beyond predatory “quick-win” loans.
Who Benefits?
If the current momentum continues, the beneficiaries will not just be the foreign powers securing their EV supply chains, but the African citizens seeing industrialization at the source. By moving from a “resource-dependent” model to an “industrial powerhouse,” Africa has the opportunity to redefine its global standing.
However, the risk remains. Without a strong execution plan, the “scramble” could once again entrench old inequalities. The difference this time? African nations are holding the cards, and they are finally learning how to play the hand.