Africa's Rare Earth Sector Faces Push for In-Continent Processing Amid Global Minerals Race
African nations are seeking to develop domestic rare earth processing and refining capacity to capture greater economic value beyond raw material exports.
In Brief
- •African nations are seeking to develop domestic rare earth processing and refining capacity to capture greater economic value beyond raw material exports.
- •International Energy Agency data from 2024 indicates China controlled approximately 60 percent of mined rare earths, 91 percent of refining, and 94 percent of magnet manufacturing.
- •Significant rare earth deposits are being developed across the continent, including projects in Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, and Angola.
- •The African Union's Green Minerals Strategy emphasizes local beneficiation, technological skills, and regional industrial development.
Why It Matters
Rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are vital inputs for electric vehicles, wind turbines, satellites, and advanced electronics. While Western countries seek to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from Chinese dominance, African policymakers are advocating for local refining and manufacturing to prevent raw resource drain.
Key Details
- China Mined Production Share (2024 IEA)
- ~60%
- China Rare Earth Refining Share (2024 IEA)
- ~91%
- China Magnet Manufacturing Share (2024 IEA)
- ~94%
- Key Continental Framework
- AU Green Minerals Strategy
Context & Background
Rare earth elements are not geologically scarce, but separating and refining them into usable oxides and permanent magnets requires complex, high-tech industrial processes currently concentrated in China.
Original Reporting & Sources
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