Harnessing Africa’s Critical Minerals for Technological Sovereignty and Sustainable Development

Africa holds vast reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, and platinum—essential for technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and digital infrastructure. As global demand for these resources surges, especially in the push for green and digital transitions, Africa’s role in global supply chains has gained unprecedented strategic importance.

At the G20 level, addressing the intersection of critical minerals and technological dependency is increasingly urgent. Many African countries export raw materials with limited local value addition, resulting in economic vulnerability and minimal industrial development. Simultaneously, Africa remains heavily dependent on imported technologies, particularly from China, Europe, and the U.S., which hinders technological sovereignty and economic resilience.

This dual dependency presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, lack of infrastructure, weak governance, and limited bargaining power can lead to exploitative extraction and environmental degradation. On the other hand, Africa can leverage its resources to demand fairer trade terms, promote technology transfer, and foster local industries.

The G20 provides a strategic platform to advance these goals. Key priorities for African nations include attracting sustainable investment in mineral processing, negotiating equitable partnerships, and securing support for skills development and technological innovation. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Critical Minerals Strategy aim to reduce external dependencies and create integrated value chains across the continent.

For Africa to benefit fully, G20 discussions must focus on inclusive policies that recognize African agency, promote responsible sourcing, and support industrialization. Elevating Africa from a mere supplier of raw materials to a strategic partner in global technology ecosystems is essential for equitable development and global stability. Thus, critical minerals and tech dependency remain central to Africa’s engagement with the G20.