非洲将引领全球关键矿产革命

Core Insights - Africa is poised to lead a global revolution in critical minerals, with demand expected to more than double by 2040, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) [1] - The continent's rich resources and industrial potential position it to transition from a raw material supplier to a strategic industrial partner, particularly in the context of energy transition and digital economy [1] Industry Overview - Critical minerals are essential for electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and data centers, but supply-demand imbalances are intensifying, making stable supply chains a strategic focus for countries [1] - Africa holds the largest production bases for cobalt, copper, platinum group metals, and manganese, along with significant lithium and rare earth reserves, marking a pivotal moment for the continent to influence the new industrial era [1] Economic Opportunities - Investment in mining and processing can generate GDP growth, fiscal revenue, and create numerous jobs and regional infrastructure [1] - Unlike traditional mining economies, African nations are set to become key partners in the construction of global clean energy and digital infrastructure [1] Regional Cooperation and Strategy - To leverage its advantages in the value chain, Africa must enhance credibility and stability to attract investment, as exemplified by Namibia [2] - Strengthening regional cooperation is crucial, with initiatives like the "battery minerals corridor" between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia aligning cobalt and copper mining with regional processing capabilities [2] - Building global alliances is also important, as seen in Morocco's collaboration with the EU and China to become a center for phosphate battery materials [2] - The current moment is critical for Africa, necessitating a shift from fragmented national actions to a unified approach under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework [2]