Downstream Buyers

This session will seek to identify and brainstorm actionable policy and regulatory frameworks that better enable African governments to leverage their mineral wealth – shifting from traditional commodity extraction to a more diversified, complex economic model. It will explore how African countries can move beyond simple resource extraction to build economic complexity through industrialization, technological innovation and advanced manufacturing.

This session will explore the strategic role of advanced manufacturing technologies and critical minerals in driving industrialisation across Africa. It will delve into how Africa can tap into its rich mineral resources to develop competitive manufacturing sectors, creating amore integrated and sustainable industrial base. Featuring insights from the WEF's recent thought leadership publications, the session will provide actionable strategies for African policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to transform these opportunities into tangible outcomes.

This session will explore how the automotive sector in Africa can drive economic growth by enhancing localization in manufacturing, supply chains, and component production. Hosted by the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) and the Automotive Industrial Transformation Fund (AITF), gain insights on the collaborative role between leading global automotive OEMs, components supplier companies, mining companies and governments and how automotive industrialisation can be actively shaped.

This session will explore how both development and commercial financiers can better support Africa's industrialisation agenda by focusing on the challenges and opportunities in funding manufacturing projects. Emphasis will also be placed on leveraging local minerals, commodities, and metals to create competitive advantages for Africa’s manufacturing and industrialisation projects. Gain actionable solutions for development finance institutions, government, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in deepening manufacturing value chains by using Africa’s natural resources as a strategic asset.

Partnerships are increasingly vital in the PGM sector due to complex value chains, evolving technologies, and shifting geopolitical and ESG dynamics. Historically, major automakers like Toyota and BMW secured long-term supply deals with miners to ensure access to materials. Today, linking miners directly with demand drivers offers benefits like price stability, innovation, and supply security. Partnerships can take various forms financial, equity-linked, or recycling-focused and involve OEMs, refiners, fabricators, and hydrogen tech firms such as Ballard and Hyundai. While challenges remain, government and industry support will be key to making these collaborations effective.