Africa's Lithium Share Doubles in Two Years, Paving the Way for Local Processing & Growth: Agency
Africa's Lithium Share Doubles in Two Years, Paving the Way for Local Processing & Growth: Agency
The continent's output rose 44% last year, lifting Africa's share of global lithium supply to 14% in 2025—more than double its 6% share from two years earlier, according to the International Energy Agency's Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2026.
Key takeaways:
Zimbabwe remains Africa's largest producer, with mines like Bikita, Arcadia, and Sabi Star leading the expansion.
Furthermore, the country is moving toward local processing, commissioning the country's first lithium sulfate plant. Other projects are advancing in the DRC, Ghana, Nigeria, and Namibia.
Mali's Goulamina and Bougouni mines also entered global production in 2024 and 2025, driving the African output rise.
Chinese companies own 65% of Africa's new lithium mining capacity, reinforcing China's global refining dominance, which rose from 70% to 75% of refined lithium production in 2025.
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