From October 12 to 16, 2025, Cape Town became the focal point for discussions on Africa’s burgeoning role as a global energy hub during the African Energy Week (AEW). This summit brought together government officials, business leaders, and development financiers, emphasizing the continent’s critical mineral reserves as essential to both the global clean energy transition and Africa’s sustainable development goals.
A Strategic Gathering
The timing of AEW was significant, occurring just days after the African Mining Week. This proximity highlighted the interconnectedness of Africa’s mining and energy sectors, showcasing how the continent’s vast mineral wealth is pivotal not only for local economies but also for global energy needs. The summit reinforced investor confidence and underscored the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) aligned extraction practices. This foundation is crucial for the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum scheduled for April 2026 in Paris, which aims to foster strategic investments and partnerships.
A New Cooperation Model
As African nations strive to leverage their mineral wealth, a new model of cooperation with international investors is emerging. This model emphasizes shared value creation and lasting local impact, moving away from the outdated ‘extract-and-exit’ approach. Industry analysts warn that mining companies must now contribute to broader socio-economic growth. Fortunately, many forward-thinking mining groups in Africa are already adopting this progressive model, signaling a promising new era for the industry.
The Urgency of Responsible Mining
During African Mining Week, experts highlighted the critical role of the continent’s minerals, noting that demand for these resources must surge by nearly 500% to meet the world’s climate goals by 2050. A recent UNEP report corroborates this urgency, revealing that the demand for minerals essential to renewable energy technologies surged between 8% and 15% in 2023 alone. The report emphasizes that the mining industry must contribute to sustainable development while respecting human rights and the environment.
Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, and Zimbabwe are seeking to finance their sustainable development agendas through mining-generated revenue. African governments require stronger investment support from mining companies to provide public goods and services that enhance productivity across non-extractive sectors, while also expanding local processing and manufacturing capabilities.
Case Study: The DRC’s Ambitious Plans
The DRC exemplifies the urgency of retaining value from mining and diversifying beyond extraction. Minerals account for 12% of its GDP and 86% of exports. The country’s new Battery Council aims to establish a regional electric battery value chain, linking mining with technology and industry. Similarly, South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley initiative seeks to leverage its platinum group metals to manufacture fuel cells and export green hydrogen.
CMOC’s Holistic Growth Agenda
During African Mining Week, DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba emphasized the need for Africa to take control of its resources. He warned that to support the global green transition, unprecedented levels of copper mining will be required. Chinese mining giant CMOC is at the forefront of this effort, having recently entered the global top 10 in copper production. The company is advancing major projects like KFM Phase II, aiming for an annual copper output of one million tonnes.
To align with sustainability goals, CMOC is investing in renewable infrastructure, including the 200 MW Heshima Hydropower project, which will provide clean electricity to mining operations and local communities. CMOC’s DRC subsidiary, TFM, is advocating for public-private collaboration to accelerate the development of a domestic EV battery industry, embedding value-added activities within the country.
Valterra Platinum’s Role in South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Future
While the DRC is poised to meet global copper demand, South Africa is equally crucial as the world’s leading producer of platinum group metals (PGM). Valterra Platinum, formerly known as Anglo American Platinum, is central to South Africa’s green hydrogen strategy. CEO Craig Miller highlighted the company’s pivotal role in strengthening global PGM supply chains, especially as demand for PGMs continues to rise due to the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors.
Valterra operates several major PGM assets and aims to produce up to 3.4 million refined ounces in 2025. The company has partnered with French energy firm ENGIE to develop the Hydrogen Society Roadmap, which outlines a framework for a just, inclusive net-zero economy by 2050.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Africa’s energy and mining transformation is not a distant dream; it is unfolding before our eyes. The challenge now lies in translating ambition into action by aligning public and private efforts behind projects that secure global supply chains while delivering tangible benefits to local communities. As investors prepare for the upcoming forum in Paris, the imperative is clear: forge partnerships that lay the groundwork for a resilient, inclusive, and African-led energy future.
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