Publications
From Potential to Production
Key Plays to Ensure Africa Translates its Mineral Wealth into Global Mining Leadership
Publications: From Potential to Production
December 3, 2025
Berlin
This white paper, authored by McKinsey as a knowledge partner for The Africa Roundtable, examines Africa’s role in the global critical minerals market.
Africa holds over a quarter of the world’s cobalt, lithium, platinum, and rare earth element reserves – vital for green and digital technologies – but currently contributes only 12% of global supply.
The paper explores strategies to overcome infrastructure, investment, and regulatory challenges, highlighting opportunities in industrial clusters, local processing, and global partnerships.
By unlocking Africa’s mineral potential, the continent can build resilient, diversified, and globally competitive industries that meet rising global demand and drive sustainable economic growth.
Key Messages
Strategic Reserves
Africa holds 28% of global critical minerals, including major shares of cobalt, tantalum, and platinum group metals.
Underutilized Potential
Despite vast reserves, Africa contributes only 12% of global production due to infrastructure, risk, and investment gaps.
Industrial Clusters
Mining clusters can lower costs, share infrastructure, and attract investment to scale Africa’s minerals industry.
Value Retention
Midstream and downstream investments can increase local processing and capture more value from minerals.
Competitive Mines
Operational efficiencies, technology, and AI can boost African mines’ global competitiveness.
Global Partnerships
Collaboration with international partners can drive growth, technology transfer, and secure resilient supply chains.
Contact Persons
Stephanie Igunbor, s.igunbor@globalperspectives.org
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