Africa Urged to Boost Mineral Value Addition for Just Energy Transition
The webinar brought together government officials, civil society representatives and regional stakeholders to address Africa's progress and obstacles in the critical minerals sector.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia— African nations must prioritize value addition and fair trade practices in their mineral sectors to ensure a just energy transition, according to United Nations officials and experts at a recent webinar, writes Baboloki Semele.
Antonio Pedro, deputy executive secretary of the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa, emphasized the need for African countries to move up the value chain in mineral processing.
He said this would help them capitalize on fluctuating mineral prices and reap greater rewards from their resources.
"African countries need to enhance the domestic footprint of the Critical Energy Transition Minerals sector," Pedro said during the African Consultative Webinar on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
The continent's vast deposits of minerals crucial for clean energy, such as cobalt, lithium and graphite, position Africa as a key player in the global energy transition. However, Pedro noted that challenges remain in taxation, value addition and strengthening economic linkages.
Angela Kariuki of the U.N. Environment Programme presented efforts to support countries in harnessing their mineral potential while minimizing environmental and social risks.
She highlighted principles including managing nature-related risks and protecting local communities.
Zimbabwe's Energy Secretary Gloria Magombo stressed the importance of mandatory value addition before exporting minerals.
"This is crucial to maximizing the benefits derived from Africa's rich mineral resources," Magombo said.
Experts also discussed the need for sustainable mining practices, particularly in artisanal and small-scale sectors that provide livelihoods for millions but face transparency and accountability challenges.
The webinar brought together government officials, civil society representatives and regional stakeholders to address Africa's progress and obstacles in the critical minerals sector.