Africa holds about 30 per cent of the world’s critical minerals reserves and plans to gain advantage from the rising global demand with strategic regional cooperation. The mineral reserves include platinum group metals, manganese and chrome. 

With countries like South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia being the major producers, Africa acts as a key actor in emerging global supply chains. Yet Africa’s intra-continental trade remains limited, responsible for only about 16 per cent of total trade.

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The critical minerals are essential for electric cars and renewable energy. With the rising global demand, African governments are now working more closely together. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) supports this goal. 

Gabon’s Ministry of Mines signed an agreement with South Africa’s Council for Geoscience. This will help Gabon improve its geological mapping and mineral database, which can further help develop its potash, manganese, and iron ore sectors faster. This agreement also focuses on training workers, supporting skills development and knowledge transfer. 

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Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources commented, “Africa’s integration is a strategic economic vision. Harmonising natural resource laws and aligning with frameworks like the ECOWAS Mining Code and African Minerals Vision is key, but national interests disrupt continental coordination, limiting the continent’s mining potential.” 

South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation signed an agreement with the DRC’s Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie in February 2026. DRC has large reserves of cobalt and copper, while South Africa has financial strength and industrial experience. This can fund mining, energy, and transport projects if they work together. 

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Nigeria and South Sudan are also working with South Africa to improve their mining sectors, aiming to reduce risks and attract more investors. They mainly focus on geological mapping and mineral exploration, including technical collaboration and skills sharing. Both nations want to reduce their dependence on oil and see mining as a new path for industrial growth. 

All of these agreements show that African countries understand that regional cooperation is necessary. If countries coordinate, mining becomes more efficient and can have a space to align their mining laws and investment policies.

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Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development emphasised this idea and spoke about projects like the Lagos-Abidjan and Lagos-Maputo corridors, which should not only export raw materials but also support cross-border processing industries. It would help Africa keep more economic value inside the continent.