Zambia – Technical Roundtable on the Geopolitics of Africa’s Critical Mineral Resources

Technical Roundtable on the Geopolitics of Africa’s Critical Mineral Resources

Lusaka, Zambia – 29th & 30th August 2024

Introduction

The Technical Roundtable on the Geopolitics of Africa’s Critical Mineral Resources was held in Lusaka, Zambia, on the 29th and 30th of August 2024. The event gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from African governments, international organizations, industry experts, civil society, and academia. The discussions were centred around the geopolitical dynamics, strategic management, and governance of Africa’s critical mineral resources, which are pivotal to the continent’s economic transformation and global positioning in the era of green energy and the fourth industrial revolution.

Key Themes and Discussions

The roundtable provided a platform for in-depth discussions on several critical themes, reflecting the complex interplay between Africa’s mineral wealth and the global geopolitical landscape:

1. Geopolitical Dynamics and Global Interests: Africa’s critical minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, are essential to the global transition towards renewable energy and technological advancement. The roundtable highlighted the intense global competition for these resources, with major powers such as China, the United States, and the European Union, as well as emerging economies, actively seeking to secure access to Africa’s mineral wealth. The discussions underscored the need for Africa to navigate these geopolitical pressures strategically, ensuring that the continent’s resources are utilized for the benefit of its people rather than merely serving external interests.
2. The Paradox of Resource Wealth: Despite Africa’s vast mineral wealth, many African nations continue to face significant socio-economic challenges. The roundtable addressed this paradox, emphasizing the historical and ongoing exploitation of Africa’s resources by foreign powers, which has often resulted in limited economic development for the continent. Participants called for a shift from the traditional model of resource extraction to one that prioritizes value addition, local beneficiation, and the development of robust local industries.
3. Ownership and Control of Mineral Resources: A major point of contention during the discussions was the issue of ownership and control over Africa’s mineral resources. It was noted that many African countries do not have full ownership of their resources, with significant portions being controlled by foreign corporations. The example of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) producing 76% of the world’s cobalt, yet not fully owning this production, was highlighted. This situation underscores the need for African nations to assert greater control over their resources, negotiate better deals, and ensure that the benefits of resource extraction contribute to national development.
4. Policy and Institutional Frameworks: The roundtable emphasized the critical need for effective policies and institutions to govern the extraction and management of mineral resources. The gap between policy formulation and implementation was identified as a significant barrier to progress. Participants called for the development of coherent and enforceable policies that align with continental frameworks such as the African Mining Vision and the emerging African Green Minerals Strategy. These policies should be geared towards promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and social equity.
5. Regional Integration and Collective Action: The importance of regional cooperation and integration was a recurring theme throughout the roundtable. It was argued that unilateral and bilateral approaches to resource management have historically failed to yield significant benefits for African countries. Instead, there was a strong call for collective action at the regional and continental levels, with a focus on harmonizing policies, pooling resources, and negotiating as a bloc in international forums. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was highlighted as a critical platform for advancing these goals.
6. Youth Empowerment and Education: Recognizing that Africa’s youthful population is both a challenge and an opportunity, the roundtable stressed the importance of investing in education and entrepreneurship to harness the potential of the continent’s youth. By equipping young Africans with the necessary skills and knowledge, the continent can foster innovation, drive economic growth, and ensure that the next generation is capable of managing and benefiting from Africa’s mineral wealth.
7. Environmental Sustainability and Ethical Mining: The discussions also addressed the environmental impacts of mining, particularly in the context of green energy transitions. It was noted that while critical minerals are essential for renewable energy technologies, their extraction often comes with significant environmental and social costs. The roundtable called for a balance between resource extraction and environmental protection, advocating for responsible and ethical mining practices that prioritize the well-being of local communities and the sustainability of ecosystems.

Presence of the Zambian Minister of Mines

The presence of Zambia’s Minister of Mines was a significant highlight of the roundtable, underscoring the importance of governmental involvement in these discussions. The Minister shared insights into Zambia’s plans to increase copper production and highlighted the ongoing efforts to launch the country’s critical mineral strategy. This strategy aims to ensure that Zambia’s mineral wealth is harnessed for national development, with a focus on increasing local ownership and value addition. The Minister’s participation also signaled Zambia’s commitment to playing a leading role in the regional and continental efforts to manage Africa’s mineral resources more effectively.

Key Outcomes and Action Items

The roundtable concluded with several key outcomes and action items designed to advance the strategic management of Africa’s critical mineral resources:

• Strengthen Policy and Institutional Frameworks: African governments were urged to develop and implement robust policies that align with the African Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy. These policies should prioritize local beneficiation, value addition, and environmental sustainability.
• Enhance Regional Cooperation: There was a strong consensus on the need for regional integration and collective action. African countries were encouraged to work together through regional organizations and initiatives such as the AfCFTA to negotiate better deals and protect their interests on the global stage.
• Empower Youth and Invest in Education: The roundtable highlighted the need to invest in education and entrepreneurship to equip Africa’s youth with the skills necessary to lead the continent’s economic transformation. Participants called for the establishment of educational programs and initiatives that focus on critical minerals, renewable energy, and technological innovation.
• Promote Ethical Mining Practices: African countries were urged to adopt and enforce ethical mining practices that protect the environment and ensure the well-being of local communities. This includes developing and implementing frameworks for responsible mining and corporate accountability.
• Increase Local Ownership and Control: African nations were encouraged to assert greater control over their mineral resources by negotiating better terms with foreign investors, ensuring that a significant portion of the benefits from resource extraction remains within the continent.

Conclusion

The Technical Roundtable on the Geopolitics of Africa’s Critical Mineral Resources was a pivotal event that underscored the importance of strategic management, regional cooperation, and effective governance in harnessing Africa’s mineral wealth for the benefit of its people. The presence of high-level government officials, including Zambia’s Minister of Mines, highlighted the political will to address these issues at both the national and regional levels. The roundtable concluded with a strong call to action, urging African nations to seize the opportunity presented by the global demand for critical minerals to drive sustainable development, industrialization, and economic transformation across the continent.