IN a crucial discussion on Africa’s role in the global energy transition, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), emphasised the need for transparent and fair-trade practices to secure a just energy transition across the continent. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical Energy Transition Minerals in Addis Ababa, Pedro highlighted the importance of creating a competitive environment for mineral resource development to capitalise on fluctuating prices as technology evolves.
Pedro urged African nations to focus on value addition and beneficiation in the mineral sector, stressing the need to reduce the export of raw minerals. ‘Enhancing the domestic footprint of the Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs) sector is essential for African countries to gain higher returns from their resources,’ he noted.
The webinar, attended by officials and experts from various sectors, examined Africa’s progress and challenges in this area. Pedro acknowledged advancements in governance but pointed out ongoing issues in taxation, value addition, and economic linkages. He also highlighted the environmental, social, and geopolitical challenges associated with mineral exploitation.
Africa’s abundant reserves of critical minerals, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, position the continent as a key player in the global clean energy supply chain. Pedro underscored the potential of these resources to create sustainable jobs, diversify economies, and significantly increase revenues to support broader development across Africa.
Angela Kariuki from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) discussed the UN Global Framework on Just Transitions, which aims to help countries harness the economic potential of critical energy minerals while mitigating environmental and social risks. ‘Protecting local communities and promoting circularity in value chains are central to the framework,’ she emphasised.
Clovis Freire from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stressed the importance of transparency and fair trade in achieving a successful energy transition. ‘Trust and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial,’ he stated.
John Sloan of the ECA highlighted the potential for mineral-based development to drive economic transformation in Africa, urging a focus on value addition and job creation in the mining industry. He also noted ongoing initiatives to support battery manufacturing in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
The webinar also featured insights from Nellie Mutemeri of the University of the Witwatersrand, who called for sustainable practices in Africa’s artisanal and small-scale mining sectors. Gloria Magombo, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Energy, reinforced the importance of mandatory value addition before exporting minerals to maximise benefits.
As Africa takes a leading role in the global energy transition, the push for transparent, fair, and sustainable practices in mineral exploitation is crucial. The discussions at this webinar represent a significant step toward aligning Africa’s mineral wealth with its broader development goals, ensuring a just and equitable future for the continent.
