Zimbabwe's Lithium Export Suspension Signals New Era for African Resource Sovereignty: Media
Zimbabwe's Lithium Export Suspension Signals New Era for African Resource Sovereignty: Media
Introduced in response to rising market prices and pervasive unauthorized shipments, the export ban has elevated Zimbabwe to a position of strategic importance within the global electric vehicle supply chain, a local news outlet reported, citing a Western analyst.
“The higher lithium price and continuous illegal shipments are likely driving factors for why the overhaul is happening now,” he stressed.
The decision is a positive development, redirecting the lithium value chain from raw concentrate to finished products, including batteries and storage components, Zimbabwean economic analyst Malone Gwadu noted.
“So in the medium to long term, Harare is obviously poised to increase its benefit from its mineral wealth,” he added.
Contributing 12–13.3% of GDP and generating over 80% of national exports, mineral exports climbed from around $2.7 billion to more than $5.6 billion, with certain reports placing the figure as high as $9.77 billion by 2023.
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