Salon
Africa’s Critical Minerals
Sustainable Partnerships for Industrial Growth
Salon: Africa’s Critical Minerals
November 11, 2024
Magazin in der Heeresbäckerei, Berlin
Africa is rich in critical minerals that are vital to the global economy. Demand for minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt is projected to grow sixfold in the next 25 years, driven by the rise of electronics and clean energy technologies. As the world transitions to a more sustainable future, the African continent has a key role to play.
At our Global Perspectives Salon at the Raw Materials Congress, hosted by The Federation of German Industries (BDI), we brought together representatives from politics, industry, and civil society from Europe and Africa. The discussion focused on Africa’s raw commodities sector and the potential for mutually beneficial international partnerships.
African representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola emphasized the need to move beyond being raw material suppliers alone. They highlighted the importance of technology transfer, value addition, and industrial development within Africa. Together, we explored how aligning investments with African goals, fostering skills training, and promoting sustainable mining practices could succeed.
Rhoda Berger, CEO, Global Perspectives Initiative
Key Takeaways
Flexible Financing and Sustainable Value Chains
Enhancing local value chains requires flexible financing and incentives to drive investment, innovation, and sustainability. To remain competitive, Europe must adopt bold solutions that address resource access, partnerships, and sustainable value chain growth.
Knowledge and Technology Transfer
The exchange of knowledge and technology between Europe and Africa must become faster and more effective. This means supporting African partners in using modern technologies and building new skills. Both continents benefit from better resource use and sustainable growth in key sectors.
Investments in Education, Health, and Empowerment
Building infrastructure that supports education, healthcare, and female empowerment is key to long-term peace and stability. Investments in these areas drive economic inclusion through strengthening local communities. In the long run, they enhance the resilience and sustainability of raw materials value chains for a more equitable future.
Contact Persons
Rhoda Berger, r.berger@globalperspectives.org
Supported by
BDI Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie
BDI The Voice of German Industry
Salon
Continuous dialogue creates awareness for the urgent questions of our time. In salons, renowned experts open the discussion with our selected guests from business, politics and society.
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