Kemcore is moving to localize Africa’s mining supply chain, unveiling plans to build chemical processing plants in Botswana and Angola to reduce reliance on imports from China and the Middle East. By producing essential inputs like sulfuric acid locally, the company aims to shield African miners from the volatile price spikes and supply chain shocks caused by the Iran war. This strategic shift moves beyond the traditional model of exporting raw minerals while importing the tools to extract them. With Africa central to the global energy transition—anchored by production in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia—the company aims to produce up to 25% of the continent’s processing chemicals by 2032. Backed largely by African funding, the $103 million Botswana plant is set to begin operations next year, signaling a push to add value locally and strengthen supply resilience.
CNBC Africa
