Major economies are trying to secure critical mineral supply chains outside China, and Africa is central to that race.
South Africa alone holds nearly 83% of global platinum group metal reserves and over 30% of manganese reserves, while the DRC accounts for half of global cobalt reserves. Madagascar also holds almost 9% of global graphite reserves.
This is why South Africa is pushing for more beneficiation, processing, and industrial development as the EU launches a €12bn investment push in the country. The DRC has also moved to control cobalt exports through quotas, showing how mineral-rich countries are trying to gain more influence over value, pricing, and supply.
