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Africa, often referred to as the “Cradle of Humanity,” is celebrated for its rich history, ancient civilizations, and breathtaking landscapes. But beneath this captivating surface lies a hidden treasure trove that holds unmatched wealth and global significance: its vast mineral deposits.

The natural bounty of Africa encompasses a diverse array of minerals, including gold, diamonds, copper, platinum, and more. These resources play a pivotal role not only in the continent’s economic growth but also on a global scale. Africa stands out with some of the world’s largest reserves of essential natural resources.

Throughout recorded history, Africa has been a vital contributor to the world’s supply of raw materials necessary for technological and economic progress. In this era of smart technology, Africa continues to be a key player in providing the critical minerals required for advancement.

Africa boasts extensive reserves of crucial minerals like aluminum, cobalt, and copper, essential for the production of high-tech and green products such as smartphones and solar panels. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its 2023 report titled ‘The Economic Development in Africa Report,’ the continent is a rich source of metals needed for the development of electric vehicles.

The report highlights that Africa possesses at least one-fifth of the world’s reserves of twelve essential metals crucial for the global energy transition, with approximately 19% of those specifically needed for electric vehicles.

As the global demand for cleaner energy solutions continues to rise, the need for these metals is set to soar. For instance, an electric vehicle requires approximately six times the minerals compared to a conventional vehicle. With that in mind, let’s explore the five critical minerals abundant in Africa that are essential for the clean energy revolution.

Credit: Business Insider