Study Shows Africa Exports Raw Minerals, Missing Value in Green Tech Industry
A recent study commissioned by the World Bank reveals that although African countries possess deposits of 41 minerals critical for green technologies, most export these minerals in raw or lightly processed forms. This limits Africa's participation in higher-value green technology industries and industrial development.
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A new report commissioned by the World Bank highlights that African countries, despite having deposits of 41 minerals essential for green technologies, predominantly export these minerals in raw or lightly processed forms.
The study, conducted by scholars specializing in industrial development, examined the mineral endowments of African nations, their export patterns, and their involvement in the value chains of green technologies such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
Findings indicate that while Africa holds significant deposits of minerals like cobalt, lithium, copper, manganese, graphite, and rare earths, it has a minimal presence in processing these minerals into higher-value materials or manufacturing components and finished green technology products.
This situation means that Africa’s mineral wealth has yet to translate into substantial industrial activity or shared economic prosperity from the green transition, representing a missed opportunity as global demand for green technologies accelerates.