UN Highlights Africa’s Critical Mineral Wealth For Sustainable Energy Transition

Africa’s abundant deposits of minerals critical to the global energy transition, such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, hold the potential to power a sustainable energy future, according to UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. She shared this vision during an event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and online on June 4 as part of the organization’s 60th-anniversary celebrations.

Themed “Maximizing Africa’s Potential: Leveraging Demand for Critical Minerals to Boost Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” the event explored strategies to optimize the benefits of these minerals for the continent’s development.

“Cobalt, manganese, graphite, and lithium are not just elements on the periodic table,” Ms. Grynspan stated. “They can be the building blocks of a new era – powering our homes, driving our vehicles, and connecting our world. Catalyzing a green revolution that can lift millions out of poverty and create a fairer world.”

To realize this vision, Ms. Grynspan stressed the need to move away from the extractive models that have historically kept resource-rich nations dependent and impoverished. “We must embrace a new paradigm that prioritizes domestic value addition, fosters regional integration, and empowers local communities,” she added.

Value Addition and Justice Are Key

Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, highlighted the importance of adding value to critical minerals within Africa. “Imagine the potential if African minerals are processed into African batteries, installed into African cars that are driven across the continent and the world,” he said. “This would accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and the electrification of transport systems, create decent jobs, and make Africa a competitive hub for green industrialization.”

Pedro also called for justice and equality in the global energy transition, noting that a mining boom that does not deliver benefits to all sectors of society would leave Africa back at square one.

Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized the need for strategic policymaking to harness critical minerals for sustainable development. “In addition to the right policy mix, it also requires fair international structures and systems, especially in terms of regulations and rules,” she said. She warned that some current and emerging regulations could undermine African countries’ efforts to enhance beneficiation and value addition.