Africa's critical minerals - Africa at the heart of a low-carbon future

Africa's critical minerals Africa at the heart of a low-carbon future MO IBRAHIM FOUNDATION 2 Africa’s critical minerals place it at the heart of a global low-carbon future Africa holds 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, many of which are critical to renewable and low-carbon technologies including solar, electric vehicles, battery storage, green hydrogen, and geothermal. [...] Competition for access to the continent’s critical materials will increase dramatically, placing Africa at the heart of the green energy future, both in environmental and geo-political terms. [...] Cr = >1/3 of mineral demand for geothermal South Africa Chromium Geothermal >40% of world Cr production Cr = >1/3 of mineral demand for hydropower Hydro IEA Sustainable Development Scenario African countries The IEA’s Sustainable Development Scenario represents a gateway accounted for 80% of to the outcomes targeted by the Paris Agreement. [...] It is also a key material in wire and cable, key for the expansion of electric grids and electrification of the energy sector. [...] However, DR Congo mined the joint- third largest amount of copper of any country globally in 2021 and combined with Zambia accounts for over 12% of global production.