A SEVERE lack of cross-border economic collaboration is crippling Africa’s ability to beneficiate its vast reserves of critical minerals, expert panellists warned at the Manufacturing Indaba held in Sandton, South Africa on July 16.
Speaking at a high-level session on unlocking Africa’s minerals to fuel industrial growth, leaders from across the continent lamented that most critical raw materials—such as lithium, cobalt and copper—continue to be exported unprocessed, costing Africa billions in lost value and jobs.
Fragmented approach undermining growth
‘There’s no coordinated value chain across borders,’ said Tapiwa Samanga, CEO of the Production Technologies Association of South Africa. ‘You rarely find a company in Zambia working with one in South Africa. Without cross-border projects, we’re limiting our potential.’
Samanga pointed out that while 12 of the 16 SADC countries possess minerals vital for electric vehicles and battery storage, these nations continue to act in silos. ‘We don’t collaborate on research, product development or infrastructure. Instead, we chase bilateral deals with outside markets and compete in a race to the bottom,’ he said.
Dr Saul Levin, executive director of Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies, and chair of the panel, stressed that global demand for critical minerals is accelerating due to the boom in renewables and tech manufacturing. ‘Africa has an opportunity to position itself as a key player—but only if we build processing capacity and rethink our trade strategy.’
‘Africa Inc’ needed to power transformation
Matimba Mahange, CEO of JA Engineering, emphasised the need for regional industrial zones supported by cross-border infrastructure. ‘You’ve got copper in Zambia, lithium and cobalt in the DRC. To beneficiate it, we need energy and rail networks that don’t end at national borders,’ he said.
Mahange called for the harmonisation of national development plans, warning that South Africa’s infrastructure strategy cannot succeed without integrating with its neighbours. ‘We need to stop thinking as individual countries and start building “Africa Inc”.’
Skills, ownership, and investment gaps remain
Even with greater collaboration, ownership of mineral assets remains a structural barrier. ‘The reality is most mines are not African-owned,’ said Samanga. ‘If we’re serious about beneficiation, we need patriotic capital—investment that supports value addition on the continent rather than just extraction for export.’
The panellists also flagged a disconnect between Africa’s mineral wealth and the readiness of its workforce. ‘If universities and training institutions aren’t aligned with industrial goals, the beneficiation agenda will remain a fantasy,’ Mahange said.
Political will questioned
Mmantlha Sankoloba, CEO of the Botswana Exporters & Manufacturers Association, criticised the continent’s lack of political resolve. ‘We don’t have to export raw minerals. That cheats our people. But without a regional business plan and political will, we’ll keep giving our wealth away,’ she said.
She noted that while the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides the framework, implementation has lagged. ‘Africa talks unity on political platforms but remains fragmented on trade. We need to act as one on the economy, not just in theory but in real, deliberate ways,’ she added.
‘Africa-first’ strategy could shift global balance
Samanga concluded by urging African leaders to present a united front in global negotiations. ‘If we stood together, we’d have real leverage with markets like the US and Europe. But because we’re disjointed, it’s as though we have nothing.’
The panel agreed that unless African countries act in concert—building shared infrastructure, aligning policies, pooling research, and investing in skills—the continent will remain a passive supplier in the global minerals game, rather than a true industrial power.
