PARIS, 27 Oct. - (ANA) - Africa holds a large share of the world’s critical minerals, yet accounts for only 10.6% of global critical mineral exports, almost all raw or semi-processed. This paper examines Africa’s current and potential role in mineral supply chains for cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese and nickel. 

 

It sets out recommendations to strengthen resilience, promote responsible investment and help African countries leverage their mineral endowments for development. 

 

 

 

 

This policy paper examines Africa’s current and potential role in critical mineral supply chains and identifies policy recommendations for African countries to leverage their minerals endowments for their development objectives. 

 

It focuses on six minerals: cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese and nickel. The report provides an assessment of the opportunities and policy challenges associated with Africa’s growing role in global critical mineral supply chains. 

 

It aims to support African governments, development partners, investors and other supply-chain actors in identifying policy approaches that can strengthen resilience, promote responsible investment and increase the domestic value generated from Africa’s mineral resources.

 

 

 

 

Advanced and emerging economies are competing to secure the critical minerals needed for the digital and green transitions, defence and advanced manufacturing.

 

Africa holds a large share of these resources but accounts for only 10.6% of global critical mineral exports, almost all of them raw or semi-processed.

 

This Regional Note examines Africa's current and potential role in supply chains for cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese and nickel.

 

It reviews production, investment and trade patterns and the main constraints on the sector, then sets out the fundamentals African countries need to benefit from their resources: robust geological information systems, updated legal and fiscal frameworks, stronger linkages to the wider economy and formalised artisanal and small-scale mining.

 

It concludes with recommendations for African governments, regional institutions, international partners and supply chain actors.

 

 

For the full report, visit: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2026/10/critical-minerals-in-africa_da340caa/53e5f664-en.pdf

 

 

AB/ANA/28 October 2026 - - -