The global effort to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero targets by 2050 has led to a surge in demand for transition minerals, particularly lithium, a crucial component in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries powering devices from smartphones to electric vehicles.

According to the latest USGS publication on lithium statistics, global consumption of lithium in 2023 was estimated to be 180,000 tons, a 27% increase from the revised consumption figure of 142,000 tons in 2022. This growing demand has put the spotlight on Africa, which possesses approximately 5% of the world's lithium ore reserves, making it an attractive destination for mining investments.

Australia, Chile, and China currently dominate the global lithium supply, accounting for 90% of production in 2022. However, African countries are rapidly catching up, with Zimbabwe holding the largest share of lithium deposits in Africa and producing the largest volume of lithium, earning it a place in the global top 10 lithium-producing countries.

South Africa's President Ramaphosa has expressed interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, particularly lithium, to drive the green energy transition and support the development of EV batteries. Nigeria, which only entered the lithium market in 2018, has seen significant investments, including the commissioning of the first lithium processing plant in May 2024 by Chinese firm Avatar New Energy Materials.

The Nigerian government has approved two more mining companies, El Thahadat in Kwara and Kebbi states, and another company, Hasetins, is set to inaugurate its rare earth, primarily tantalite processing plant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this December. This rapid growth in lithium mining activities in Africa has sparked concerns about the environmental impact, as mining often results in significant environmental degradation.

Despite these concerns, many African countries are transitioning from oil dependency to alternative revenue sources, with a growing focus on mineral mining. The continent's untapped potential in lithium mining is expected to play a significant role in driving the green energy transition and supporting the development of EV batteries.

In addition to Zimbabwe and Nigeria, other African countries with significant lithium mining operations include the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Mali, Ghana, and Namibia. As the demand for lithium continues to rise, it is likely that Africa will emerge as a key player in the global lithium mining industry, driving economic growth and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.

The shift towards lithium mining in Africa is not only driven by economic benefits but also by the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. As the world continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, Africa's role in the global lithium mining industry is expected to become increasingly important.

In conclusion, the growing demand for lithium has created new opportunities for African countries to diversify their economies and support the global transition to cleaner energy sources. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to address the environmental concerns associated with mining and ensure that the benefits of lithium mining are shared equitably among all stakeholders.