Ivory Coast// — African ministers, representatives from continental institutions, the private sector, and development partners have called for Africa’s critical minerals to drive a new era of economic transformation, industrialisation and job creation – especially for young people and women- through value addition, regional value chains and beneficiation.
Critical minerals have become the strategic foundation of the next industrial era. Elements such as lithium and copper, as well as rare earth elements (REEs), are increasingly seen as necessities for national security because they are essential to defence supply chains, AI, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing.
Zambia has achieved a very good overall score of 81 points in implementing the 2023 EITI Standard, including two additional points for effectiveness and sustainability. EITI implementation has supported systematic disclosure and reforms related to critical minerals, beneficial ownership transparency and domestic revenue mobilisation.
South Africa// — As Uganda accelerates its Ten-Fold Growth Strategy aimed at expanding its economy from $59.3 billion to $500 billion by 2040, the African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 conference will serve as a key platform to connect the country’s mining sector with global capital and technical partners.
On May 7, 2026, Chinese battery materials giant Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt announced plans to acquire Atlantic Lithium in a proposed $210 million transaction that could significantly reshape the future of Ghana’s Ewoyaa Lithium Project.
The Bosome Freho District Assembly in the Ashanti region has ordered the arrest of the owner of an abandoned mine pit that caused the death of a woman and her child, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding the Mine pit tragedy.
As the global economy shifts towards cleaner energy systems, electrification and digital technologies, trade in critical minerals has become central for development in an international context of strong industrial policy and geopolitical competition.
The global race for minerals and metals is accelerating. As urbanisation, agriculture, digitalisation, and energy needs intensify worldwide, demand for these minerals could double by 2040.
Policy analyst and extractive governance expert Dr Steve Manteaw says the fierce public interest surrounding the renewal of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mining lease reflects a growing belief among many Ghanaians that the country is not receiving enough value from its natural resources.
In a compelling showcase of how unpredictable foreign policy has become under US President Trump, oil prices fell 6% on Monday amid media speculation that a framework agreement is in place between the US and Iran.
