Search

Africa’s new mineral deal: will G20 South Africa rewrite the rules?

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts the G20 Summit. Photo: G20 Summit Flickr
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts the G20 Summit. Photo: G20 Summit Flickr

Africa holds vast critical minerals but stays trapped in debt. As South Africa hosts the G20 Summit, leaders demand a new mineral deal on their own terms.

When G20 leaders gather in Johannesburg this weekend, Africa will not just host the summit – it will test a new bargaining chip: its critical minerals.

From cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo to manganese in South Africa and Ghana, the continent controls a huge share of the metals that power electric cars, batteries and solar plants. Sub-Saharan Africa holds about 30% of proven global critical mineral reserves, according to the IMF, yet remains locked in costly debt and low-value exports.

This article is free to read.

Sign up for free or sign in to continue
reading. Unlike our competitors, we don't force you to pay
to read the news but we do need your email address to
make your experience better.

Create your free account or sign in


Recent Business

Cocoa pod and beans outdoors. Photo by Ákos Helgert @ Pexels
How Nigeria's cocoa strategy could end decades of oil dependence
Read More »
A vibrant display of traditional dance in Botswana. Photo by Xitsundzuxo Himina @ Pexels
Why Botswana’s inflation surge signals wider risks for commodity economies
Read More »
Molten metal pouring from ladle in industrial foundry. Photo by Bence Szemerey @Pexels
Can Kipushi’s zinc boom in Congo redraw Africa’s commodity power balance?
Read More »

Recent Politics

Fishing boats in Essaouira Harbor, Morocco. Photo by Hamza Laafou @Pexels
Can Tangier rescue Morocco from Casablanca’s port congestion?
Read More »
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the dam. Photo by Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia
Has Ethiopia won the Nile argument? Washington returns
Read More »
A lively street protest in Nigeria with activists waving flags and holding signs. Photo by Tope J. Asokere @Pexels
Can Nigeria contain election cash? CBN rebuilds inflation defences
Read More »

Latest Posts

Latest news insights