Africa stands at a defining moment in its industrial evolution. For too long, the continent has exported raw minerals and imported finished goods, forfeiting the immense value that lies in transforming its resources locally. Today, as the world accelerates toward sustainability and green mobility, Africa has the opportunity to rewrite this narrative, by aligning its mining and manufacturing sectors to drive a new era of shared growth, innovation and resilience.

Building Africa’s value chain

The continent’s abundant mineral wealth – for example, lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and copper – forms the backbone of the global transition to new energy and sustainable mobility. Yet, without strong manufacturing linkages, Africa risks remaining a supplier of raw materials rather than a creator of industrial and social value. By fostering collaboration between mining and automotive manufacturing, Africa can build integrated value chains that create jobs, enable technology transfer and spur inclusive industrialisation across multiple forms of mobility, from battery-electric to hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

This vision is not theoretical. Countries like South Africa, Morocco and Egypt already have established automotive sectors while other key African states like Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Nigeria have advanced automotive policy discussions. When connected with mineral-rich economies such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and regions within the ambit of Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), a powerful continental ecosystem emerges, one capable of producing everything from battery precursors to finished electric vehicles.

Sustainability and innovation

The global race towards carbon neutrality demands that Africa’s industrial growth be both green and inclusive. New energy vehicles (NEVs), renewable energy and circular manufacturing processes are redefining what sustainable industry means. Africa’s access to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydro gives it a natural advantage in building low-emission industrial zones. By investing in green technology and local innovation, we can create industries that meet global standards while responding to local realities. This includes nurturing start-ups, research partnerships and skills development programs that empower African engineers, scientists, policy makers and entrepreneurs to lead in future technologies.

Africa’s competitive edge

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a huge opportunity to scale these ambitions. By harmonising standards, reducing tariffs and facilitating cross-border trade, the AfCFTA can enable regional value chains that make Africa a globally competitive manufacturing hub. Imagine a regional manufacturing ecosystem where lithium extracted in Zimbabwe powers battery cell production in Kenya, and automotive-grade copper rods from Zambia’s refineries are transformed into motor windings, wiring harnesses, and charging infrastructure components across the continent. 

Steel and aluminium processed in South Africa feed into component and body part manufacturing in Ghana and Morocco, while electronics and control systems are assembled in regional industrial hubs. Together, these interlinked value chains form the foundation of Africa’s future mobility industries – not just assembling vehicles, but building the entire supply base that underpins them. This is more than an economic vision; it is a blueprint for industrial self-sufficiency, technological capability, and continental resilience.

Leadership and empowerment

Such transformation requires visionary partnerships between governments, the private sector and development institutions. Policy alignment, infrastructure investment and capacity building are critical. Just as important is the empowerment of local talent, ensuring that Africa’s youth and women are not only participants but leaders in this industrial revolution.

The road ahead

Africa must act with urgency. Prioritising investments in sustainable mining, vehicle and component manufacturing, as well as skills development will define our role in the global mobility and resource value chain. Collaboration across borders, sectors and industries is our greatest asset. By aligning mining and automotive manufacturing, Africa can transform its natural wealth into lasting prosperity. The world’s mobility revolution needs Africa, but the question is whether we will seize this moment to lead it.

This article was first published in the Digital Mining Pulse Issue 3 I December 2025