Africa’s mining sector poised for sustained growth driven by critical minerals and policy reforms

Africa, one of the world’s richest mining regions, continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for mineral production. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Africa accounted for 79.3% of total PGM [platinum group metals] reserves in 2025, 61.7% of chromium reserves, and substantial shares of reserves of cobalt (54.5%), manganese (36.5%), diamonds (32.4%), bauxite (25.5%), copper (8.2%), gold (7.8%) and lithium (1.6%), among others. Despite its resource wealth, the industry faces persistent ...