China’s Emerging Sustainability Framework & Africa’s Critical Minerals Future
China’s evolving sustainability architecture and willingness to invest in local processing create important opportunities for African countries. The emerging landscape presents Africa with a historic opportunity to negotiate a new resource bargain, one that moves beyond extractivism towards industrialization, responsible mining and inclusive development.
Africa’s Critical Minerals Challenge Is Not Capital—It’s Project Design, Says Dr. Fikayo Akeredolu
According to Dr. Akeredolu, Africa continues to frame many mineral projects primarily as extraction ventures rather than long-term industrial development opportunities. As a result, investments tend to finance the removal of raw materials instead of supporting the infrastructure, industries, and capabilities needed to generate lasting economic value.
Africa Must Finance Value Chains, Not Just Mines, Says Hera Mpondo
Hera Mpondo challenged policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to rethink the continent’s approach to financing critical minerals. Rather than asking how to finance more mining projects, she urged stakeholders to ask a more fundamental question: What exactly are we financing?
ACCET Sets Out Vision to Position Africa at the Centre of the Global Energy Transition
Dr. Ankrah, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Critical Minerals & Energy Transition (ACCET), outlined the vision behind the newly established institution and made the case for a more integrated, Africa-led approach to critical minerals governance.
Global Energy Transition Presents Africa with Strategic Opportunity, Says Dr. Kapil Narula
According to Dr. Narula, the world is confronting two interconnected realities. On one hand, global energy demand continues to rise as populations grow and developing economies expand. On the other, countries must rapidly decarbonise their energy systems if they are to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and limit global warming.
Africa Must Build Fairer Critical Mineral Supply Chains, Says Dr. Clement Sefa-Nyarko
As governments, investors, and development partners continue to shape the future of critical mineral governance, Dr. Sefa-Nyarko’s message offered a timely reminder that the success of the global energy transition will depend as much on inclusive governance and community trust as it does on geology and technology.
The Lobito Corridor and the Politics of Control in Africa’s Mineral Economy
The Lobito Corridor is a test of governance and imagination. Without structural shifts in policy and institutional capacity, it may accelerate extraction while deepening external control. With deliberate intervention, however, it could mark a turning point, transforming Africa’s mineral wealth from a source of dependency into a foundation for sovereignty, innovation, and global influence.
Beyond the Mine Gate: Why Africa’s Critical Minerals Future Will Be Won—or Lost—in Governance
Africa’s critical minerals offer a rare opportunity to finance development, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen the continent’s strategic influence. But expanding extraction alone will not deliver transformation.