Critical minerals and EU-Africa strategic partnerships: where do we stand?

Amid global geopolitical tensions, the EU has been ramping up efforts to diversify its mineral value chains by forging strategic partnerships with resource-rich African nations. Since 2022, the EU has finalised agreements with Namibia, DRC, Zambia and Rwanda, and has established a multistakeholder partnership to develop the Lobito corridor. These partnerships are designed to secure access to critical minerals at various stages of the value chain, strengthen European industrial resilience and accelerate the green transition of its economies while supporting Africa’s own industrialization ambitions. However, almost two years since the first deal with Namibia, progress has been limited and key challenges persist. This raises critical questions: can these partnerships deliver on their promises and meet expectations? Are the EU’s policy goals aligned with market realities to attract private sector investment in Africa? 

With experts and policymakers, ECFR Africa will moderate a debate on the most pressing issues aiming to further promote the Europe-Africa dialogue, identify policy and implementation options, and set financial priorities to allow these partnerships to take off. The panel will ultimately explore the specific value of the EU’s approach to African partners amidst an increasingly competitive environment.

This event is co-hosted and sponsored by the European Investment Bank.