The upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit will feature a presentation led by Rystad Energy on the importance of the continent’s mineral sector in the global energy transition. Titled Critical Minerals - Importance and Impact on the Future of Energy, the presentation will be led by Erik Holm, Senior Partner & Head of EMEA at Rystad Energy, highlighting various African critical minerals, markets and their influence on the future electricity grid.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting [email protected]

Africa is a pivotal player in the global energy transition, with the continent holding 30% of the world’s critical minerals needed for renewable energy technologies. The continent is home to the world’s largest cobalt reserves (DRC), the sixth-largest lithium producer (Zimbabwe), 13% of global graphite resources (Mozambique and Tanzania) and the second-largest manganese deposits (Gabon). Africa is also home to approximately 80% of the platinum group metals (PGMs), essential for green hydrogen production. With the demand for green hydrogen expected to increase by more than 1.5 times to over 150 million tons by 2050, African PGM producers – including South Africa and Zimbabwe – are expected to play an instrumental role in supplying growing demand.

Furthermore, Africa’s copper resources – representing 21% of the global market – will be crucial in the expansion of national grid infrastructure to facilitate renewable energy integration. According to Rystad Energy, a surplus 18 million km of grid infrastructure and 30 million tons of copper will be required to accommodate the rapid expansion of renewable energy and improve electricity access for consumers. In this regard, African copper producing countries such as the DRC, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be instrumental for supporting grid expansion – both in Africa and further abroad.  

Recognizing their pivotal role in the global energy transition, African countries rich in critical minerals are increasing collaboration with international partners and investors to enhance E&P activities and fortify their supply chains. For example, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation recently approved a $200 million facility to support the Lobito Corridor Railway Project in Angola. The financing strengthens cooperation on critical minerals between Angola and the U.S. and streamlines mineral transportation from the DRC, Zambia and Angola to global markets. This is just one example of growing international support for African mining projects, and the CMA presentation will further outline the latest collaborations between African projects and international partners.