Africa’s Critical Minerals Surge Opens Pathways for Value Addition and Industrial Growth

10:00, 27 March 2026

Aliyu Bello

Correspondent, Podcast Host

As the global race for clean energy intensifies, Africa’s critical minerals are gaining renewed strategic importance, positioning the continent at the center of emerging industrial shifts while creating new opportunities to transform resource wealth into long-term economic development and broader participation in global value chains.

Sputnik

Global South Pole engaged Shamiso Mtisi, Deputy Director at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association and a legal expert in natural resource governance, to analyse the dynamics of Africa’s critical minerals sector and what they mean for the continent’s development trajectory.

Mtisi explained that while global demand has created significant opportunities, it has also exposed structural gaps that African countries must address to fully benefit. He stressed that limited industrial capacity, energy constraints, and gaps in technical skills continue to shape a pattern where raw materials are exported rather than processed locally. At the same time, he points out that improving negotiation capacity, strengthening legal frameworks, and deepening knowledge of mineral resources can significantly enhance how countries engage with investors. He also highlights ongoing efforts by some governments to promote value addition through policy reforms and regional collaboration, signaling a gradual shift toward more strategic resource management.

"We've seen a situation where African countries, for example, are just reacting to this sudden demand for critical minerals. Some of them are still trying to scramble to come up with critical mineral policies or to come with the legislation or to ban even the export of raw rare earth elements or critical minerals. So, those are some of the features of this scarmble, but we've not seen enough in terms of the contribution of critical minerals to developments. But Zambia, for example, I think for a long time, Zambia has been mining copper, and there have been some some developments there. The economy, I think somehow performed well, especially whenever there is that cycle or a boom, it means a country can benefit. So, there are many features one can talk about. But I think the most important or critical thing is coming at a time when African states are independent, independent enough to make their own decisions," Mtisi said.

To find out what else the expert had to say, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.

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