Africa's mineral wealth can power industrial growth, yet much potential remains untapped as extraction dominates and value addition is limited. These publications—jointly developed by the IGF and the African Development Bank—present insights on nickel, copper, cobalt, lithium, and bauxite.
Each factsheet profiles properties, global recycling, demand outlooks, and Africa's share of mining, refining, and exploration. They also map supply chains and trade, assess market risks and leverage points, and flag social and environmental challenges. The analysis situates these minerals within equitable resource-based industrialization aligned with the Africa Mining Vision, noting constraints from underinvestment in geoscience and structural factors across energy, skills, technology, infrastructure, and finance.
Three trends are currently reshaping options for resource-rich countries: (a) security of supply for minerals essential for low-emissions energy systems, (b) clean energy cost parity, and (c) a shift toward more equitable resource partnerships.
