Africa Shifts Focus from Raw Mineral Exports to Local Processing. Nairobi, Kenya — 2026-02-06 Lead Paragraph: African nations are increasingly focusing on processing and profiting from their mineral resources, rather than exporting them in raw form. This shift is in response to the global demand for critical minerals, particularly for the energy transition, and marks a significant change in the continent’s economic strategy.
The trend towards local processing and value addition is a strategic move by African countries to capitalize on the rising global demand for critical minerals. Historically, many African countries have relied on the export of raw minerals, often at low prices, while the added value was created by foreign processors and exporters. This situation has left African nations with limited economic benefits from their abundant mineral resources.
As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and electric vehicles, the demand for critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements has surged. This has prompted African nations to reconsider their approach, aiming to process and add value to their mineral resources locally.
The incidence of export restrictions on raw materials by African countries has increased over recent years.
This is a response to the need to secure a greater share of the profits from the minerals and to ensure that local communities benefit more from their resources. IRENA emphasizes the complexity of the mineral supply chain and the importance of understanding the global incidence of export restrictions.
WWF suggests that while the distribution of critical mineral reserves is relatively even, there are concerns about the potential for export restrictions that could impact global supply chains.
The global race for critical minerals could significantly affect wealth and power dynamics. For instance, the article on lithium mining highlights the struggle of local communities and the geopolitical context of the global race for critical minerals.
The situation remains fluid as African nations implement new policies and regulations to promote local processing and value addition of minerals.
How these changes will affect local economies and communities, as well as global supply chains, remains to be seen. Further details are expected as these strategies are rolled out across the continent.
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Source: Geopolitics of the Energy Transition: Critical Materials – IRENA.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
