Zimbabwe is the only African country that's a top 10 producer of lithium, but companies are exploring other parts of the continent for the battery metal. Here's a look an overview of key players.
Chinese companies have moved faster than the western world to secure lithium supply in Africa. And it is not just lithium they are looking to lock down — they also have ownership and interests in properties that hold other key metals needed for electric vehicles, such as cobalt and copper.
China plays a key role in the lithium-ion battery supply chain, dominating the midstream when it comes to lithium. Despite this, in terms of production China is behind Australia, known for its hard-rock assets, and Chile, known for its brines.
In Zimbabwe, Chinese companies have reportedly invested over US$1.4 billion in lithium assets. Furthermore, in 2022, Zimbabwe approved a proposal by a group of Chinese investors to establish a US$2.83 billion battery metals district to process battery metals, including lithium.
(Updated 2024) Benchmark Intelligence is projecting that in 2024, the African continent will account for 10 percent of global lithium production. Many countries in Africa are looking to develop lithium resources, and some are even producing the metal.
And it is not just lithium they are looking to lock down — they also have ownership and interests in properties that hold other key metals needed for electric vehicles, such as cobalt and copper. China plays a key role in the lithium-ion battery supply chain, dominating the midstream when it comes to lithium.