Africa Prioritizes Processing for Local Value

A growing number of African governments—led by Zimbabwe, Ghana, Rwanda, and Namibia—are prioritizing domestic processing of critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt. These measures aim to retain more value locally, boost jobs, and enhance trade leverage amid global competition for clean-energy materials. However, success depends on infrastructure upgrades and responsible governance. Social license to operate (SLO) will be key, as new processing hubs must earn local trust through transparent, inclusive, and equitable implementation.