According to a recent report by the Africa Finance Corporation, Africa holds an estimated $29.5 trillion in mineral value based on mine-site evaluations, representing approximately one-fifth of
global mineral wealth. Of this total, $8.6 trillion in mineral assets remain undeveloped, with iron ore, gold, potash, and phosphate comprising the largest share of the continent’s untapped endowment. Countries such as the DRC and Zambia possess some of the world’s largest reserves of critical minerals, positioning them as essential players in global supply chains.The report identifies energy availability as the primary constraint on development across Africa’s minerals sector and underscores the need for substantial investment in power transmission and distribution infrastructure to support mining operations. Efficient mineral site development is critical not only for global markets but also for Africa’s industrialization, infrastructure expansion, food security, and energy systems. These findings highlight significant opportunities in both mineral extraction and the infrastructure investments required to unlock the continent’s resource potential.