Africa, which holds 30% of the world's reserves of critical minerals needed to manufacture electric batteries, is at a strategic turning point. With the global battery market expected to reach USD 320 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% between 2025 and 2030 according to Grand View Research, African producing countries are seeking to capture more value by processing their raw materials locally. Here is an overview of five African nations (the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana) that are sharpening their ambitions while facing structural challenges.
DRC: A cobalt and copper giant in search of added value
The DRC, which supplies 70% of the world's cobalt and ranks as the second largest copper producer, aims to become a key player in the production of electric batteries. With the Manono lithium deposit, the country is seeking to diversify its portfolio. The government is banking on a special economic zone dedicated to battery manufacturing, a project supported by a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 with Zambia and the United States. This agreement, valued at USD 30 billion in its initial phase, could generate up to USD 7 trillion by 2040. However, uncertainty remains over the financing of this ambitious project.
At the same time, the DRC has acquired a stake in Buenassa Resources SA, which is developing the country's first copper and cobalt refinery. By 2027, this plant aims to produce 30,000 tonnes of copper cathodes and 5,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphates per year. The DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, scheduled for September in Kolwezi, could bring some crucial announcements.
Zimbabwe: A strategy focused on lithium
As Africa's leading lithium producer, Zimbabwe is focusing on local processing to maximise the value of this strategic resource. The government plans to ban the export of lithium concentrate by 2027 to encourage the construction of refining plants. Chinese companies such as Sinomine (Bikita mine) and Zhejiang Huayou (Arcadia mine) are developing lithium sulphate production units. In addition, a pilot project for lithium carbonate production, led by the Harare Institute of Technology, was launched in 2023, marking a step towards the production of battery components.
South Africa: An industrial hub in transition
South Africa, a producer of nickel and manganese, has a well-established automotive industry, hosting global manufacturers. To capitalise on this asset, the government has allocated 1 billion rand (approximately 57 million USD) in 2025 to support local production of electric vehicles and batteries. Balancell launched a 1.7 GWh/year gigafactory in 2024, while Afrivolt is planning a 1.6 GWh/year lithium-ion battery component factory in the Western Cape. However, the supply of local metals remains a challenge for these projects.
Zambia: A refinery and automotive ambitions
As Africa's second-largest copper producer and cobalt supplier, Zambia wants to strengthen its position in the battery value chain. In addition to its partnership with the DRC, the country will soon host a cobalt sulphate refinery operated by Kobaloni Energy, with USD 100 million in financing from the Africa Finance Corporation and support from the European Union. Lusaka is also seeking to attract car manufacturers to produce electric vehicle components near the copper mines, according to Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.
Ghana: Ambition hampered by profitability
Ghana, with its lithium (Ewoyaa) and graphite (Kambale) projects, aims to become a pioneer in lithium-ion battery production in sub-Saharan Africa. The Minerals Income Investment Fund plans to build a dedicated factory, but a March 2025 report by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) warns of a potential loss of USD 500 million in public revenue if local refining is rushed. Competitiveness with China and insufficient volumes for a factory operating at full capacity remain major obstacles.
Despite these ambitions, African countries face structural challenges: lack of energy infrastructure (600 million Africans have no access to electricity), a shortage of technical skills, and financing difficulties. To overcome these obstacles, analysts such as those at NRGI and Tralac advocate regional cooperation. Coordination between lithium producers, such as Ghana and Mali, or a consolidation of African production could enhance the attractiveness of investments in local processing.
In conclusion, Africa has immense potential to become a key player in the electric battery industry. However, the success of these ambitions depends on the ability of governments to overcome structural challenges and collaborate to influence the global market.